March 8, 2024
By Xari Jalil
LAHORE/KARACHI/ISLAMABAD/MULTAN/HYDERABAD
Aurat March kicked off on Friday afternoon in the major cities of the country, as women from all walks of life took to the streets to demand their rights and address various issues that were affecting not just women but all vulnerable communities.
The largest march was held in Karachi where there were several events, followed by the march in Lahore that displayed various art installations depicting women’s experiences of harassment and addressed Afghans who were born in Pakistan but were made to leave the country. The march also spoke about the disenfranchisement of women and transgenders regarding their votes.
ISLAMABAD
The women’s march was held in Islamabad with a plan to march to D-Chowk, but the ICT police did not allow the marchers to go ahead and enclosed them inside barbed wire on all four sides, deploying heavy police force. The rally then changed into a protest against the police action.
Participants of the march carried various placards to express solidarity with the citizens of Palestine, including the protection of women’s rights, enforced disappearances, etc. and other issues which were strongly protested by the marchers – leading to a fear among some of a clash.
The march was held in front of the Islamabad Press Club amid heavy police presence.
The march was addressed by prominent human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Hazir-Mazari who had also helped organize the march, as well as other leaders including transgender politician Nayyab Ali.
At the occasion, an audio message by Dr Mahrang Baloch was played which focused on helping flood victims in Gwadar.
LAHORE
Aurat March 2024 successfully concluded its annual demonstration, capping off its march from the Lahore Press Club to the gate of the Faletti’s Hotel along Egerton Road with a sit-down and series of cultural performances.
The march also featured four art installations representing various struggles for freedom from oppression. March organizers and volunteers felt that participation in the march may dwindle if they continue to face harassment from social media influencers.
However, they asserted that while there is a need to express their anger over the unethical approach of these influencers, education rather than violence is the best way forward.
While the march proceeded relatively smoothly, there was some discord as miscreants alleged that one of the installations titled “The Tunnel”, in which recordings of cat calls were played to simulate the experiences of women in public spaces, was promoting immodesty. Furthermore, some journalists exchanged heated words with influencers over their behaviour toward the march participants and organizers.
The march was attended by stalwarts of the human rights movement, such as Hina Jilani and Diep Syeda among others, veteran journalists, academics and students. Unlike the previous years, the Haya March, which runs parallel to the Aurat March, was notably absent this time around.
At the end of the march, the participants ended the march by announcing a press conference at three o’clock tomorrow afternoon against state oppression and anti-people policies.
MULTAN
The call for gender equality echoed as activists and advocates gathered for the Women’s Day march. From Chowk Nawan Shehar to the Multan Press Club, a diverse tapestry of voices united under the banner of empowerment and social reform.
One of the main organizers Laiba Zainab called for the provision of essential services and rights for women across the region.
Transgender activist Sherry drew attention to the harsh realities of poverty and economic disenfranchisement faced by marginalized communities in south Punjab. Sherry underscored the urgent need for dignified employment opportunities and economic empowerment to uplift individuals and communities from the cycle of poverty.
Representing Save the Animals Movement, Khalid Qureshi highlighted the endemic exploitation and abuse faced by women in various sectors, particularly within industrial settings in South Punjab. With impassioned pleas for workplace protections and systemic reform, Qureshi ignited a fervent call to action among attendees, urging collective solidarity in the fight for justice.
Lubna Nadeem, a council member from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), highlighted pervasive issues of poverty, economic exploitation, and governmental accountability. She further demanded an end to corruption in the Benazir Income Support Program for the betterment of the system.
Former council member HRCP Nazir Ahmed, and social activist Sohail Javed, also spoke.
Sohail Javed informed Voicepk that the Multan Women’s March issued a comprehensive manifesto, outlining a series of demands aimed at addressing systemic inequalities, climate justice, and empowering marginalized communities. From secure housing and quality education to accessible healthcare and support for survivors of violence, the manifesto underscored the march’s unwavering dedication to advancing the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Against the backdrop of vibrant banners and impassioned speeches, participants from diverse backgrounds joined forces in a collective pursuit of justice and equality.
HYDERABAD
Women Action Forum (WAF) organized a large women’s freedom march rally in Hyderabad.
The rally started from the Shahbaz Building and reached the Hyderabad Press Club after covering a distance of 3 km. Women human rights’ activists and other people-friendly organizations esepcially those from the minority community and women from villages around Hyderabad participated in large numbers. The women listed their demands on placards.
WAF leader Dr Arfanah Mallah, Amar Sindhu, Hussain Musarat and other women demanded the government must act against the exploitation of women.
Equal rights, protection from climate change, equal pay and economic empowerment, and housing schemes on agricultural lands should be stopped. They demanded that identity cards should be issued to the transgender community.
Activists said that the marriage Acts of religious minorities and the Inheritance Act should be amended to protect these women.
In the case of choice marriage, the merit act should be taken care of in the case of minor girls. In the case of marriage of choice for the minority religion, the minorities should be protected as equal citizens by making appropriate legislation in the change of religion.
Regarding the Marriage Act of Religious Minorities and the Inheritance Act, must be amended to protect these women. In the case of choice marriage, the merit act should be taken care of in the case of minor girls. In the case of marriage of choice for the minority religion, the minorities should be protected as equal citizens by making appropriate legislation in the change of religion