Aurat March rally on Sunday
Activists march on International Women Day, while Sheema Kirmani speaks at a press conference at Karachi Press Club. In Hyderabad, folk singers perform at Aurat Azadi March outside Hyderabad Press Club. Photos: Express
A march in connection with International Women's Day would take place on Sunday, said organisers of the annual Aurat March that has been taking place in the city for the last five years. The event is scheduled to take place in a park adjacent to the National Museum.
Activist Shema Kirmani, speaking alongside other organisers at the Karachi Press Club, said that participating in the march on a working day would mean people might lose out on a day's wages. "This is why the march is scheduled on Sunday."
They also raised the issue of forced conversions 'that disproportionately target young girls of the minority Hindu community'. Samin Baloch talked about the issue of enforced disappearances, saying her father was one of those 'missing persons'.
The march will also highlight the issue of encroachment drives in the city, organisers said, with many people losing their homes.
The organizers demanded to set fair wages for all workers, including those working at factories and farms as well as people working as domestic help at residences.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2023.