Criticism Against Aurat March

Criticism Against Aurat March

Although the Aurat March received a massive turnout and was a successful event, it received copious criticism nationwide. The organizers of Aurat March faced criticism and threats after the first Aurat March event in 2018. Here are some reasons for the criticism of Aurat March: 

Controversial Slogans: 

Some slogans brought outrage and criticism instead of approbation to Aurat March: like,

1.  Mera Jism, Meri Marzi (My body, my choice)
2.  Khana Khud Garam Kar Lo ( Heat your own food) 
3. Stop being menstrual-phobic 
4. Consent Ki Tasbeeh Rozana Parhen (Ask for consent every time) 
5. Paratha Rolls, Not Gender Roles 
6. Keep Your Dick Pics To Yourself. 
7. Nazar Teri Gandi Aur Purdah Mein Karon (Why must I wear a veil to keep you from ogling?) 
8. If Cynthia does it, she is applauded; if I do it, I am the villain. 
9. Dupatta Itna Pasand Hay To Apni Ankhon Pay Bandh Lo (If you like the headscarf so much, tie it around your eyes) 
10. If you do it, you are a stud, but if I do it, I am a slut. 
11. Grow a pair (ovaries) 
12. My shirt is not short; it is your mindset that is narrow. 
13. Lo Baith Gayi Theek Se. (See, I am sitting properly now.) 
14. Main Awara, Main Badchallan (I am licentious, I am indecent). 

Political Disengagement:

Some elderly feminists believe that the Aurat March movement is facing criticism because of its political disengagement with the state and uncertainty regarding the role of religion and traditions. Reliance on Social Media According to older folks, Aurat March since 2018 has failed due to its selective calling-out, reliance on social media rather than political goals, and expectations of justice for misconduct without engaging with legal frameworks.

Sidestepping the Main Issues

Some feminists think the current movements of the Aurat March will sidestep the main issues regarding political aspirations and religion. 

Bashing Men

People feel that Aurat March slogans are more about bashing men than feminism. They think if women can enjoy the luxuries of life on a man's wage, then it's not a big issue to be asked to find their husband's or brother's socks or heat their food. 

Individualism and The Neo-liberal Ethos

Aurat March is facing criticism because some believe Aurat March organizers are not focusing on policy-making and have concluded that it represents the individualism that characterized the neo-liberal ethos. Aurat March as a movement Some call the ongoing Aurat march a one-day event and doubt that the current strategy of holding annual gatherings would ever be considered a movement. 

Prominent Feminists' Point of View

According to some prominent figures, Dr. Rubina Saigol, Kishwar Naheed, Saba Gul Khattak, and Dr. Farzana Bari. Women have to be more careful in word choice as women already have many enemies. They believe that the movement, which was strong and active in the 1980s, has peaked. The writer Kishwar Naheed made some thoughts about the gathering of women that took place across Pakistan on Women's Day while speaking at the Sindh Aurat Tanzeem celebration for Women's Day. According to Kishwar, women shouldn't refer to themselves as "azaad" (free); instead, they should find their azaadi, or freedom, in the law instead of in their bodies and tongues. The slogans, Lo Baith Gayi Sahi Se and Main Khana Garam Kar Lon Ge, among other slogans, were criticized by her as being inappropriate for the image of Aurat March. According to her, women already have many enemies, so feminists should keep their culture and customs in mind and avoid acting like "jihadis" because it is useless. 

No Clear Vision or Theme

There is no clear vision or consistent theme for the Aurat March committees across the nation, and they failed to motivate municipal events to follow any particular organizational guidelines. It lacks sustainability. Older generations urge the Aurat March to change from an annual event to a sustained fight for social change. Instead of discussing small things, they have to focus on women's issues that need attention. 

Lack of Political Inclusion

Feminists and political parties must be friends to include the feminist agenda in the national political landscape. But some feminist organizations consider the inclusion of male feminists or male allies to be an oddity in the young feminist movement. Some of the Aurat March organizers are aware of the practical requirement of having the support of political parties for their long-term campaigning, advocacy, lobbying, and political strength in numbers.

Lack of Party Interaction 

There is a lack of interaction between secular tenets and right-wing parties. The religious parties, which opposed their feminist objective, are more powerful and do faith-based politics, which is treacherous. 

Vulgarity and Boldness

Aurat March is the new wave or the third generation of feminism, and such boldness is rare and unacceptable in our culture and religion. The vulgar language in Aurat March does not reflect Pakistan's political, cultural, or social norms.

Ignore Issues Affecting Underprivileged Women

People in Pakistan contend that feminism does not speak for all women, especially the underprivileged ones, and that its advantages are only available to urban, educated, and privileged women.

Misandry

Men and other like-minded people believe that feminism is simply about misandry. It destroys the family system in Pakistan and promotes a divorce culture and bisexuality. 

Lack of Ethical Values

Feminism's detractors assert that Aurat March lacks an ethical and political foundation because it is an exogenous phenomenon. 

Breakdown of Family Structures and Marriages

Men in Pakistan contend that controversial slogans are alarming and call for the attention of religious institutions. They think such slogans are trying to break down the family structure and the relationships between husbands and wives. We, as a society, can not segregate these slogans, and we have to take them in the context of a failing value system and as a plea for free and consensual sex outside marriage.

Promoting Western Culture 

In Pakistan, the feminist movement is still controversial and disparaged in the mainstream media, as well as on social media and in private circles. The Aurat March is considered the promotor of the western agenda by destroying their customs, traditions, and religious values.