Ways You Might Have Misjudged ‘Aurat March 2019’

It’s no mystery that Pakistan is still way behind in giving proper rights to women from steady backgrounds yet alone poor ones. Altogether, it’s just about money. If you’re a daughter of a rich family you can stay protected from a couple of injustices that women of the lower/middle class might face.

However, that doesn’t mean that the rich daughters live a lavish and protected life. Everyone gets their fair share of cat-calling and thirsty stares. This is an undeniable fact.

The Aurat March 2019 is just a gentle reminder of the anger and frustration that women in Pakistan feel. And we’re all up for diving deep into the movement!

Starting from early March, the movement started with dozens of people where the majority have been women, holding posters/banners. Yeah, the exact same ones that made people lose their marbles.

We have all the time to be angry but to be fair; people have avoided looking at the big picture. There has been no focus on the context of the posters. More so, people have started bashing the women for being vocal about certain things that they shouldn’t be…. kind of proving the whole point of March.

Let’s evaluate some of the misunderstandings and try to see things eye-to-eye:

No One Tried to Dissect the Message of the ‘Indecent’ Posters:

Most of you might just squirm away from the wording but is the poster actually wrong though? Isn’t this something every woman dislikes and wants to avoid?

Exactly.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a feminist, unwanted sexual pictures are always a no-go. It has been a shame that people have decided not to look past this and ‘judge’ the ‘indecency’ of these girls. And that is exactly what they are fighting against.

Also, we all know that Aurat March posters in Pakistan are gaining controversy because this nation can take anything out of context.

This person tells it perfectly:

What is it about women breathing that irritates Pak men so much? So much anger & resentment (followed by justification of violence & abuse) against women no matter what the context: Aurat March posters, a woman choosing to dance, a woman refusing to dance... where does this end?

— ایمان زینب (@ImaanZHazir) March 31, 2019

To be very honest, the #metoo movement included every sort of assault or harassment that any gender has ever faced (its intensity doesn’t matter). It is a safe platform for people to bring their stories to light.

Everyone has seemed to ignore that men have always been welcome to use this hashtag as well because ANYONE can get assaulted.

So, talking about unwanted dick pictures is also a form of harassment that a lot of women have faced. How is it any less significant? Should we shy away from it because of the wording?

Why are we not educating the people that are responsible for these pictures in the first place?

Some of you still might be in the blue and not want to keep up with the feminist crap so here’s another example:

A woman mentioning periods has people upset! Now, it’s awfully inapprehensible on how you can watch hours of bloodshed in the game of thrones but a single pad disturbs you? Logic 101 

Not to mention, people looked past the meaning again. And honestly, no name calling, but most of them have been men.

It’s because men don’t understand the concept of periods and as it’s a taboo they will always be left in the dark about it. Moreover, periods aren’t something a woman has control over. It’s natural. Yet we are taxed on products that are definitely NOT a luxury.

It’s a sad fact that this is a part of our mechanism and unavoidable yet the economy wants to monetize it.

It’s okay if you’re not used to such conversations or bold statements but don’t bash them without actually looking into the positive impact they are bringing. Your negativity at home is never going to help.

Honestly Aurat March posters in Pakistan are treated the same as Mathematics: ignored and misunderstood! Most of them made impressive points but we still label this whole movement as a ‘feminist agenda’.

No One Focused on the Non-Female Allies:

‘Crazy women and their crazy feminism’

How about: the Aurat March 2019 had a good portion of men and boys as well? The March’s field was as diverse as it could get.

Here’s a classic example:

No. These men are not trying to pretend as if they’re a white knight. They just have a common understanding of female issues in Pakistan and a lack of selfishness.

Men of all ages, backgrounds, and mindsets came together to set differences aside and try to stand for what they think needs attention.

The sad part is that all the people claiming ‘men are our brothers, fathers, and sons’ have been the same people to bash these men participating in this movement.

So, if they don’t work for their interest they’re suddenly useless? Didn’t you advise against that in your angry twitter posts about why men are important and this movement is trash? Yes, you did and you contradicted yourself. 

There Was No ‘Attack’ on Men:

Some took this particular poster out of context:

‘Why don’t you cover up?’ ‘It goes both ways’

Yeah, sure.

But how many times are women victimized and felt uncomfortable by a man’s gaze? In this country? Every day.

Let’s try to balance this out, shall we?

A man looking at a woman in a lewd way is somehow more justifiable because she’s wearing ‘revealing’ clothes. Are we in the animal kingdom where there is no way for us to hide our ‘inner’ intentions? The fact that there needs to be an explanation of this is mind-blowing.

Women are marching for their rights, and if they discourage someone else’s rights in the process then they will be called out as well! But calling these posters out for making valid points over issues that all of us have seen happen RIGHT in front of our eyes, is saddening.

Why Mard March as a Response was Childish:

Aurat March 2019 ended. Everyone went home satisfactorily but some stared at their screens with anger as they came up with another March: The Mard March.

Would this have been more impactful and iconic if it happened on men’s day? November 19^th? Absolutely!

Everyone deserves a platform to talk about their issues and concerns but if those concerns tackle unnecessary claims then are such concerns really important?

This March happened right after Aurat march became famous. It had no significance to men but has been a childish come-back.

Moreover, the frustrating part is most of the posters didn’t even raise good points. Okay, you’re a man and you’ve got everything…we already know that.

Honestly, most universities and colleges provide transport for every student despite gender differences. This might not be the case for companies or the workplace BUT it is far more dangerous for a woman to go home by herself in Pakistan than it is for a man.

That’s just obvious. For more viral stories visit this site

What…!? Who said that you’re not? You can really feel the undying need to present a straw man argument.

The other posters once again mentioned angry arguments with no actual help for male victims, toxic masculinity, male suicide rate, etc. it was just an unnecessary response which could’ve been avoided.

Everytime women start a movement or a forum to talk about their issues, men reciprocate with starting a movement that doesn't even talk about the issues men face, but a movement that is petty and only objectifies women further.

Mard March and Soul Brothers are 2 examples of it

— Queen Sansa (@NoWonder_Woman) May 21, 2019

Regardless, you can now have a fair look at the context of the March and formulate your own opinions on it. Comment on what shocked you the most!