The Misunderstood Slogan of Aurat March & Vandalism

People believe what they want to believe. If someone doesn’t want to change their opinion, then you can’t really do much about it and the same goes for some Aurat March slogans, which have spurred severe backlash from religious extremists especially. It’s the 3rd Aurat March taking place on 8th March 2020 on Women’s International Day. The last two marches have had placards which not many approved of, but the fact is that they are simply unaware of the messages.

I mean, these placards and posters were displayed in peaceful protests that had an agenda. Why is everyone getting mad at them for no reason? They’re misinterpreting and talking about Aurat March in a disrespecting manner. It’s shocking and disgusting.

“Mera Jism, Meri Marzi”

This one has a major backlash from men and women alike. If we translate this slogan into English, it says, “My body, my choice”. It means that if it’s not your body, then you can’t decide what happens to it. This doesn’t mean that women want to parade naked on the streets because they want to show off their bodies, which if they did then still is their choice. There are so many meanings behind this slogan such as no woman should be raped regardless of her attire. No woman should abort babies if she doesn’t want to, regardless of gender. She shouldn’t be forced to keep getting pregnant against her will until a male child is born.

This slogan does not mean that women want to roam around on the streets and show off themselves. It’s what men think about this slogan and they are very wrong. A number of women are subjected to rape, honor killings, marital rape, sexual harassment, domestic abuse and whatnot. It means that it’s my body and no one has the authority or right to touch it without consent. No means no and if it’s forced then it’s not consent.

Thankfully, the court did not approve the petition and the reason is that every citizen has a right to express themselves. However, certain groups are not stopping and have made it clear to become a rock in the way. It’s not hurting anyone in any manner but the vandalism shows their anger and outrage.

This mural should haunt us all.

Once again, the labour of love and peace was met with aggression and violence from the religious thugs…people who have forever used religion and culture to push women and their movements back.

This is painful. #AuratAzadiMarch2020 pic.twitter.com/zUcwgC3F5D

— Maria H. Malik ☭ (@marriyamalik1) March 3, 2020

Religious extremist workers of Lal Masjid have started gathering on the mural site. They threatened the artists and organisers of Aurat March and incited violence.
We request authorities to protect the art & artists of the city.#AuratAzadiMarch2020 pic.twitter.com/XKkoG4UXPH

— Minhaaj (@sur_inqilabi) March 3, 2020

This aggression shown by some religious groups is the reason why we need Aurat March. Amplifying voices of the unheard is what should be done. This behavior is unacceptable as the mural did not provoke anyone.

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Read our previous article:
Why We Need Aurat March More Than Ever