#AuratMarch2020: Images too loud for a modest nation
Photographs of the growing resistance against patriarchy are a testament to the plight of women
Photos: Sarah Price
KARACHI:
Starting as a grassroots movement in 2018 to mark International Women's Day, Aurat March aims to address women's rights and make a symbolic stand against patriarchy.
Despite unprecedented backlash, thousands of women dared to come out of their homes and marched through the streets of Karachi, Pakistan on March 8, 2020 - each with a similar quest and voice.
These photographs of the growing resistance are a testament to the plight of women and hope to quell the narrative that women are being ‘disrespectful’ if they march.
These are their stories.
Poetic justice
Domestic help for basic rights
Minorities against forced conversion
Standing up for the voiceless
'Honouring the dishonoured'
'Feminism does not mean we hate men'
She went on to explain, "Feminism does not mean that we hate men. All it means is that men, women and transgenders should be given equal rights and opportunities in society."
Men of quality
Another ally, Shoaib broke it down further. "Most men have this misconception that if you’re pro-women then you must be anti-men but that’s not true. Raising your voice for women does not have to take away from being men or that you’re against men."
Together, we stand
Mothers of the movement
Among the chatter, an older woman quietly carried her sign with a mysterious smile. "My slogan means that my life is my right and I should have the power to make decisions about my life," she said with conviction.
"I march for women’s equality, plain and simple," said Sheema Kermani, founder of the Tehreek-i-Niswan Organisation.
The fight for freedom isn't always brutal, bloody and barbaric. Sometimes, all it takes is colours, courage and a little choreography to reclaim public spaces and to convey - 'I'm not afraid'.
All marchers remained within four layers of tightly packed security, which included a human chain of volunteers to ensure safe execution of a peaceful protest. One layer also included female police officers.
As the sun set, the crowd's chants grew louder. People of every faith, class and creed marched to the beat of freedom. Hum Dekhenge (We will see) by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, recited by Iqbal Bano played into the night, igniting a sure fire in the hearts of the attendants.
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Starting as a grassroots movement in 2018 to mark International Women's Day, Aurat March aims to address women's rights and make a symbolic stand against patriarchy.
Despite unprecedented backlash, thousands of women dared to come out of their homes and marched through the streets of Karachi, Pakistan on March 8, 2020 - each with a similar quest and voice.
These photographs of the growing resistance are a testament to the plight of women and hope to quell the narrative that women are being ‘disrespectful’ if they march.
These are their stories.
Poetic justice
Domestic help for basic rights
Minorities against forced conversion
Standing up for the voiceless
'Honouring the dishonoured'
'Feminism does not mean we hate men'
She went on to explain, "Feminism does not mean that we hate men. All it means is that men, women and transgenders should be given equal rights and opportunities in society."
Men of quality
Another ally, Shoaib broke it down further. "Most men have this misconception that if you’re pro-women then you must be anti-men but that’s not true. Raising your voice for women does not have to take away from being men or that you’re against men."
Together, we stand
Mothers of the movement
Among the chatter, an older woman quietly carried her sign with a mysterious smile. "My slogan means that my life is my right and I should have the power to make decisions about my life," she said with conviction.
"I march for women’s equality, plain and simple," said Sheema Kermani, founder of the Tehreek-i-Niswan Organisation.
The fight for freedom isn't always brutal, bloody and barbaric. Sometimes, all it takes is colours, courage and a little choreography to reclaim public spaces and to convey - 'I'm not afraid'.
All marchers remained within four layers of tightly packed security, which included a human chain of volunteers to ensure safe execution of a peaceful protest. One layer also included female police officers.
As the sun set, the crowd's chants grew louder. People of every faith, class and creed marched to the beat of freedom. Hum Dekhenge (We will see) by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, recited by Iqbal Bano played into the night, igniting a sure fire in the hearts of the attendants.
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.