Thousands of women march for equality in Karachi, Pakistan

Dubai: Women in Pakistan are breaking stereotypes, and what better day to do it than on International Women’s Day. On March 8, women gathered in thousands at Karachi’s Frere Hall, to make a bold statement - it was time to claim public spaces. The #AuratMarch or women’s march was held for advocating for equality and spreading awareness about gender issues.

However, women were not the only participants, men and transgenders belonging from different economic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds attended the iconic event. A march led by women was the highlight of festivities that also included speeches, recitals, music and dance performances.

Social media users applauded the participants and the change they are calling for. Many of the women asked for safer conditions in the country.

Twitter user, @pakistanned posted: “I went to the aurat march and it was so amazing, I can’t stop smiling and I feel a little safer in this country knowing that so many openly advocate for diversity and empowerment…”

Whereas, @NayaDaurPhotos, shared an image and wrote: “This woman asked her husband to wait while she read the #AuratMarch manifesto.”

Tweep, @curlistani, emphasised the importance of such events: “Because I’m tired of being afraid, tired of being stared at, groped, stalked, tired of hearing about child sexual abuse, tired of hearing about women being murdered for choosing whom to love. I’m tired of all the definitions of womanhood that limit us #WhyIMarch #AuratMarch.”

However, there were some who seem to hold on to the conservative norms Pakistani society.

And, some others who felt such a march is unnecassary. Tweep @Specterational posted: “#AuratMarch is just an attention seeking agenda. We already get enough attention by playing the woman card. Do we still need to run for rights? Stand in the que same as men in the scorching heat and I bet all men will march with you.”

To those who criticised the march, Twitter user @ManalFaheemKhan said: “One person does not represent an entire movement. If you see one feminist behaving inappropriately, that doesn’t mean that the #AuratMarch is flawed or deserves to be boycotted. Think of what this march is trying to accomplish. It’s bigger than you and your individual differences.”