Masses Throng Streets in Pakistan Championing Trans and Women’s Rights –
Aurat March Advocates for Gender Equality
Thousands gathered on March 8th to observe International Women’s Day. The Aurat March, an independent collective, organized rallies across Pakistan. Attendees promoted gender equality, safety from gender-based violence, and denounced sexist societal norms.
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✨Glimpses of Aurat March Lahore 2024✨
We marched in sisterhood. We marched for political agency. We marched for Palestine, and against atrocities within our own borders. We marched to envision a society around feminist principles.
📸@/imranpuppetry (insta)#AuratMarch2024 pic.twitter.com/wRWfxfsHUH— Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 13, 2024
Protests Spotlight LGBTQ+ Rights and Gaza Conflict
The marches highlighted issues faced by women and the trans community in Pakistan, where identifying as LGBTQ+ can carry the death penalty. Protesters also brought attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where over 25,000 women and children have died due to violence with Israel.
✨Glimpses of Aurat March Lahore 2024✨
We marched for hope. Kyunke umeed pe hee dunya qaim hai 🌸
Thank you for marching with us 💜
📸@/imranpuppetry (insta) #AuratMarchLahore#AuratMarch#AuratMarch2024#SiyasatMuzahmatAzadi#PoliticsResistanceLiberation pic.twitter.com/ts8zckahVe
— Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 13, 2024
Demands for Public Safety and Access
A key demand was for women’s ability to walk safely and occupy public spaces without harassment. “Ask any woman or khawaja sira (trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming) – each has a story of feeling uncomfortable in public,” said organizers.
The feminist movement is as strong and vibrant as ever, pushing past fear and hopelessness to make way for resilience and defiance. We carry the history of our foremothers forward to the tune of our own beat. #AuratMarch #AuratMarchLahore #AuratMarch2024 #SiyasatMuzahmatAzadi pic.twitter.com/fGgQdovsjW
— Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 11, 2024
Inclusive Event Shuns Cisgender Male Journalists
Aurat March held a feminist press conference ahead of the marches, barring cisgender men members of the media. This ensured a safe space for women and LGBTQ+ participants after previous years saw some male journalists unwilling to share the floor.
This year's march was led by organisers and activists who paved the way. The scenes from the front of the march remind us why we march – to reclaim streets that are rightfully ours and create a new politics that has space for joy.
#AuratMarch2024 #SiyasatMuzahmatAzadi pic.twitter.com/e9a001loOU— Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 11, 2024
Art Installations Depict Street Harassment
Local art exhibits were unveiled, including a “street harassment tunnel” featuring catcalling phrases often directed at women and LGBTQ+ individuals. “Take a walk in our shoes…see where that discomfort takes you,” the installation urged.
Lahore Rally Unites Diverse Groups
In Lahore, the march united students, trans people, women factory workers, and senior women’s rights activists who helped pass anti-rape laws in 2021. Manifestos were distributed and performances took place along the route.
2021 Anti-Rape Laws a Hard-Won Victory
We marched, chanted and sang for all of us, from Lahore to Balochistan to Falasteen. We reiterate the demands from our manifesto and will continue to resist against oppressive systems. ⚖️🤝#AuratMarchLahore#AuratMarch2024#AuratMarch #HalSirfFeminism #SiyasatMuzahmatAzadi pic.twitter.com/jmF1OvWdJ9
— Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 10, 2024
“The anti-rape laws passed in 2021 were a major milestone for women’s rights in Pakistan,” said Rafia Zafar, Professor of Gender Studies at Karachi University. “But much more progress is needed on issues like workplace discrimination, honor killings, and transgender rights.”
Amplifying Minority Women’s Voices
A day of joy, grief, rage, resistance and hope. Amidst the sea of placards, each one bearing messages of these emotions, our collective spirit of sisterhood shone bright. Thank you to everyone who marched with us. ✊🌼🔥 1/2#AuratMarchLahore#AuratMarch2024#AuratMarch pic.twitter.com/EbjdZX0HUK
— Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 9, 2024
Michelle Chaudary of the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation told Global Voices: “For years, women from Hindu and Christian communities have been victims of forced conversion. We appreciate Aurat March addressing this on a large scale.”
The Long Road to Equality in Pakistan
“While Pakistani laws have slowly advanced to protect women, regressive societal attitudes remain deeply entrenched,” said Nafisa Shah, human rights activist and former parliamentarian. “Massive grassroots movements like Aurat March are crucial to shift the cultural narrative and achieve true equality.”
