Over the course of the past two years, the annual Aurat March has been a union for Pakistani women to display massive resistance through a movement targeted against the structures of patriarchy.
While slurs, abuses and threats are only a few of the ways in which organisers and participants have faced backlash; this year the ball has gone too far in the court as petitions have been filed calling the march ‘anti-state’ and ‘anti-Islamic’.
Condemning this, senator Sherry Rehman – spokesperson for the Pakistan People’s Party spoke up in Senate to oppose Molvi Faiz Muhammad who claimed “mera jism meri marzi azadi nahi, awargi hai.” (My body, my choice is not freedom, it is obscenity)
“In a democratic society, asking for your rights is not only valid, but also extremely important,” Rehman opposed.
Demanding respect from the parliament members, she stated that shaming and degrading those who leave the comfort of their homes to ask for due rights, is a way for men to disregard the struggles of women.
“I am part of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s party, who struggled, and because of whom we are standing here today.”
She further called out the hypocrisy and double standards of society who do not put men on the same pedestal.
“This will not happen in Pakistan, and People’s Party opposes this!” she concluded, adding “March tou zaroor hoga!” (The March will definitely happen).
Senator @sherryrehman’s powerful & strong response against threats to @AuratMarch in Senate today! March to Zaroor hoga!!! Women parliamentarians joined forces to support women marchers.✊????✊????✊???? #AuratMarch2020 @AuratMarchKHI @AuratAzadiMarch #IWD2020 @BBhuttoZardari @BakhtawarBZ pic.twitter.com/TJnwm8Aqiw
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) March 2, 2020
Human rights lawyer, Nighat Dad took to Twitter to support and appreciate the powerful response.
