Pakistani Women to Take to Streets in Protest: Aurat March

Hundreds of women are set to take to the streets of Pakistan to speak against economic, reproductive and environmental justice. They will march in Karachi and Lahore on International Women’s Day as part of the Aurat March.

The Aurat March demands - Watch this space as we share them each day till the 8th March!

1. An End to Violence pic.twitter.com/MGzWCqPzoo

— AuratMarch2018 (@AuratMarch2018) March 6, 2018

“The Aurat March isn’t organised by a single group or organisation, and is being organised and led by a collective of women from diverse classes, professions, ethnicities and different sections of society,” the invite read.

“The march is not funded by any political party, government organisation, NGO or group and is an event funded by small contributions of individuals,” further said the invite.

Men are invited, but only if accompanied by women.

Women will march for an end to violence, workers’ rights, reproductive rights, environmental justice and access to clean water, air and enjoying public spaces.

"We wish to organise a march that will highlight a diverse range of issues to express solidarity with all women about the connected nature of our struggles from #MeToo to the Women’s March in various countries," a press release stated.

From sexual harassment cases erupting in our cities; to voices of outrage speaking against child abuse, we see this march as a series of responses from women who are tired of the injustices we are subjected to, it added.

"We envision a world in which women from all groups, ethnicities, religious communities, economic backgrounds, working class women; displaced and refugee women; differently-abled women; transgender women and persons belonging to other gender identities; are free to exercise autonomy over their lives, and to build just and peaceful communities,” said the statement.

Many Pakistani celebrities have also promoted the march. Here are some reactions on Twitter.

Two days till #AuratMarch2018 makes history in #Karachi. Are you coming? Aao hamaray saath chalo! pic.twitter.com/ZXca84B1Nt

— Girls at Dhabas (@girlsatdhabas) March 6, 2018

The incredible @ZAbbasOfficial paving the way for women in sports broadcasting & urging everyone to turn up for the #AuratMarch2018. Come march with us!#Barabar #Equal #InternationalWomensDay

8th March, 2018https://t.co/KMWU3HNYVT pic.twitter.com/qxx7ybvtUB

— main aap ki behan nahin (@shmyla) March 2, 2018

Calling all media persons.
Help support Lahore #AuratMarch2018 by sharing news of the March on your platforms, shows, columns!
Help spread the word! We need as many people as possible.

DM for details. pic.twitter.com/zAxYKPZDZA

— main aap ki behan nahin (@shmyla) February 27, 2018

Come out for your sisters, mothers, friends, colleagues, comrades! Come out for Asma, Perween, Sabeen, Qandeel and all those who have struggled before you! And last but not least, come out for yourself! Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, let's do this! #AuratMarch2018

— Nida Kirmani (@nidkirm) March 6, 2018

We can’t wait to see pictures of the march, and are happy that the movement is catching on all over the world!

Also Read:Women’s March Organisers Show Solidarity With Westminster Attack Victims