Aurat March 2020

Aurat march is going to be organized soon and a huge debate is seen on media whether the mass gathering fulfills the purpose or not. Several controversies and arguments were seen.

However, the organizers of aurat march on Tuesday gathered at Karachi Press Club to demonstrate the agendas of holding the march. Several matters were discussed.

Transgenders’ rights

Transgender activist Shahzadi was also present at the event. She presented the demands of the trans community. She said that the first women march held two years ago. However, the trans community was neglected.

They said, “Unfortunately, to date, there has been no transgender rape law made in Pakistan,”

Aurat March Demand 1

End sexual harassment and violence – in schools and homes, at work places and from state institutions.

#auratmarch2020 #auratmarchdemands #wedemand pic.twitter.com/1ECrH9Bp57

— Aurat March – عورت مارچ (@AuratMarchKHI) March 3, 2020

Shahzadi wants the authorities to make a separate law for rape. They said that trans are even being humiliated by the policemen when they go for FIR.

She demanded that that issue must be solved with strong political interference.

“Trans persons should have representation, whether in province or centre,”

They added that the government had announced a 5% quota since 2010. But no Implementation was seen. The transgender commission was also not formed.

In addition to this, they also said that there is no separate jails and law for transgenders.

They said that “We are called for inaugurations, but the government does not hold any discussion with us,”

Reproductive rights

University professor Shama Dossa raised points regarding female reproductive rights as well as agencies over their bodies.

She said that the reproductive and sexual cycle is the fundamental right of humans. She said that women must have the authority to exercise some agency over their bodies.

Aurat March Demand 3 Ensure reproductive rights.#AuratMarch2020#wedemand #auratmarchdemands pic.twitter.com/TybjTVAG0J

— Aurat March – عورت مارچ (@AuratMarchKHI) March 4, 2020

Shama Dossa said, “In Pakistan, the maternal mortality rate is 276, which is a cause of extreme shame for us. Every 37 minutes a woman dies,” this happens due to lack of awareness.

Role of media

Journalist Uzma Karim was also present at the gathering. She focused on the role of media in promoting women’s rights. She said that journalists have the responsibility to present sensitive issues of women with care.

Minority rights

Ghazala Shafiq, a minority rights activist, said that minorities are compelled for forced conversions. She said, “Conversion happens in one day, and in the same day marriage takes place,” she said that the bill for the forced conversions has not been passed.

Aurat March Demands 4 – Environmental Justice#auratmarchkhi #wedemand #AuratMarch2020 pic.twitter.com/LqLZblzKNa

— Aurat March – عورت مارچ (@AuratMarchKHI) March 4, 2020

Women and the economy

Afshan Subohi, a senior finance journalist, spoke over women’s participation in economic matters. She said, “Nobody knows better than homemakers how to resolve issues with the least resources,”

Aurat March Demand 2 – A just economic system – free from exploitation and discrimination.#auratmarch2020 #auratmarchdemands #wedemand pic.twitter.com/5bitGS3VRt

— Aurat March – عورت مارچ (@AuratMarchKHI) March 4, 2020

She told about the figures and said that only 30% of women bring productivity.

Social researcher Nazish Brohi said, “If we find the demands of women controversial, at one time women having own CNICs was controversial too,” she said this while speaking on women’s participation in political affairs.

Aurat March Demand 5 – Right to City
We demand access to electricity, gas, clean water, healthcare, education and safe transport for all persons, and the resettlement of the persons displaced by the inhumane city-wide Anti- Encroachment Drive.#wedemand #Auratmarch2020 pic.twitter.com/5jhBaMwgLF

— Aurat March – عورت مارچ (@AuratMarchKHI) March 5, 2020