The Effects of Aurat March 2021

Much like every year, this time as well, people looked ahead with anticipation as to how the day challenging the patriarchy’s enduring power will be demonstrated.

Women’s March was systematically however with full fervor, planned across the various cities of the country, as women, as well as members of the transgender community, and non-binary representatives, set out to exercise the need for their rights, in an amicable depiction of power. 

And standing in solidarity, many of our celebrities, politicians as well as government officials spoke towards the key slogans of the International Women’s Day, advocating that the rights of the female gender are to be exercised and implemented in full fervor.

This includes the likes of the Army Chief who took pride in the contribution of women in bringing immense honor and stature to the country through their services as women in uniform, proving their mettle to do great things, if given the chance.

Many rallies were taken out across various cities. Where the Aurat March in Lahore emphasized on basic healthcare and the need to revise the margins of the national budget for health, the rallies and demonstrations in Sindh were more or less highlighting the need to have additional hostels for women students as well as a deep look into the ‘enforced curfew’ and timings in the region.

Similarly, majority of the regions were standing united to speak out for specific goals, visions which are practical and attainable. The government and its various bodies of conduct took notice of the stance and ensured that the oppressed would be heard out and the civil rights and key issues brought into notice will be looked over and reviewed. As Information Minister ‘Shibli Faraz’ stated on social media that women empowerment and the exercising of equal opportunities is the vision and agenda with which the government shall proceed towards a progressive Pakistan.

While much publicity and coverage of the day was taken in the positive limelight, it still did not stop social media trolls and the misogynists to make the most of the event and try to create a mockery out of it. This comes at a time when unfortunately, there is still so much needed to be done on the grassroot initiatives to bring a change and positive stance to the women march. It is bad enough that change is still in its infancy, where we have those who wouldn’t let a single chance pass to ridicule against those coming out in hopes of being part of the change we desperately need to see and adapt.

Despite reaffirming its commitment and dedication in ending violence against women, Pakistan is unfortunately still being subjected to a range of issues and problems on a daily basis. This includes sexual assault, physical violence, verbal and mental torture as well as a string of ‘honor killings and ‘target’ killing and abuse of transgenders, among other concerns.

It is imperative for the formation of a progressive society to keep women’s rights as one of the highest priorities and with such campaigns and efforts, being able to support and show solidarity would ensure we are leaving the nation as a safe place for our future daughters.

By Mehr Jan

Author is an Associate Editor for a leading weekly Sunday Magazine as well as a freelancer for a range of online publications. She pens with passion and feels there isn’t anything better than expressions through words. She aims to highlight all the good amidst the chaos surrounding us. She is currently residing in Islamabad, Pakistan.
You can reach out to her on :

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *