Dawn Images

Some people really don't understand what Mera Jism Meri Marzi really stands for, and it shows

Don't fret, we got you as long as you read with an open mind and to understand and not to pointlessly argue.

Updated 07 Mar, 2020

It comes as no surpise that the word jism in our society is packed with negative connotations and embedded with vulgar undertones, which makes the message of Mera jism meri marzi seem overtly sexualised, when in reality, it is anything but.

Clearly, we need to do all the emotional labour around here so let us break it down for you. Mera jism, meri marzi literally means that womxn want bodily autonomy and have the right to make decisions concerning their bodies.

Aurat March's Instagram account put it beautifully when they said, "it means an enforcement of a human right every individual is born with, but women, trans, and non-binary person are robbed of."

If this man has learnt from history, why can't you?

Contrary to popular belief, it's not about how you dress —although it does include that too!

It means no to forced pregnancies

And sexual assault and rape

Have we forgotten how many women are victims of acid attacks?

Or genital mutilation that happens behind closed doors?

For anyone who thinks it advocates for obscenity...

Spoiler alert: it doesn't

Thanking the heavens for OKB right about now...

Shehzad Roy gets it. Why don't you?

Comments

Ali da Malanga Mar 06, 2020 09:13am

Those who are raising slogan "my body my choice" need to first understand the history of it. The root of this slagon lies in the West where women want freedom for abortion, freedom to bare their body the way they want in public, etc. These do not align with the values of Pakistani culture. Women should instead raise slogans like "equal pay for equal work", "equal employment opportunity", "paid while on maternity leave", etc.

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kazim raza Mar 06, 2020 09:26am

The words " Mera JISM.................." do not consider to be appropriate to talk about. i think rather than we keep discussing.......... it should be come to an end.....................

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James Mar 06, 2020 09:27am

Hog wash! Hog wash!

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Sonia Mar 06, 2020 09:29am

In English it means "My Organ, my business"

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jaredlee Mar 06, 2020 09:40am

This tagline 'Mera Jism Meri Marzi' could have been more inclusive and then it would have been more powerful, but for now it does sound antagonistic. Why do women take offence if this tagline is antagonistic, people have the right to interpret things the way they want. Women's rights should not promote antagonism, instead the same rights should be granted and respected in a pluralistic manner. Perhaps, BOTH men and women should come together on this matter.

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Abbasi Mar 06, 2020 09:48am

Why dont we rebrand it as meri zindagi meri marzi

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Maryam Haq Mar 06, 2020 09:50am

The slogan is extremely wrong, it gives a very wrong impression. It should have been 'my life my right'.

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Farhan Mar 06, 2020 09:53am

Indeed a very powerful slogan like poetry, everyone interprets is as per their own mind

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manzer Mar 06, 2020 09:55am

This slogan is a direct translation of the well known slogan "My body my choice" which mainly refers to abortion right.

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aaron Mar 06, 2020 10:03am

you should have come up with an original slogan of your own. Sure it may mean all of those things but the slogan was raised by pro choice activists in the west. so get your own facts correct (p.s im pro choice )

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Reality Bites Mar 06, 2020 10:58am

I will stand with women whenever there are atrocities, injustice, violence and harassment against women. I get we have a huge problem in our society; male domination as opposes to harmony, frustration as oppose to love and care and so on. Like all other issues and concerns, we have to draw a line how far would you take this slogan? First of all, the very slogan sends a very wrong message, so your marketing tactics are failing you from the start. Instead of getting attention to the issue, you are hurting your cause. Even I, when I read the slogan, I was disgusted with it. I did not bother to anything about it for a long time, because it was distasteful, offensive and distrusting. BUT, shun the idea of Western illogical logic; marital rape, this is where harmony and love come in. If a wife always has headaches more frequently, what do you think will do to a marriage? Violence? Divorce? Second marriage? or would you still be chanting "Mera Jism, Meri Marzi"

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Vicky Malik Mar 06, 2020 11:07am

the irony is that ladies participating in women march are those who never have gone through any problem in achieving their rights. Where are the women in this march who daily face violence at their homes? Can we accept woman from Upper class (with back of powerful NGOs) to shout for their counterparts from Middle and lower classes who are devoid of their basis rights ?

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Nationalist Mar 06, 2020 11:09am

Instead of explaining to the entire country and sticking to the controversial slogan that's now clearly detrimental to the cause, why not change the slogan to something more palatable. Is the objective of this movement to social raucous or help women?

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Faseeh ullah Irshad Mar 06, 2020 11:21am

Why can't they start with Protection of rights of women servents in their own homes. Media reports tell us everyday about abuse of women servents in Wealthy houses! How come these 'Warriors of Women Empowerment' don't take their women servents to join the Aurat March?

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Fik Mar 06, 2020 12:08pm

Mera jism meri marzi or my body my choice is a term used in the US by pro abortion people to Express the right to have an abortion. It is being used out of context on Pakistan.

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AAA Mar 06, 2020 12:34pm

By above mentioned tweets, impression is everyone is indulging their own idea where it should be simple protest / moment to get basic rights of one gender and they have to demand it from government, mostly women bears such harassment because of financial reasons as they are dependent on males, its states responsibility to either create opportunities for them or support them financially.

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Sami Mar 06, 2020 12:35pm

Please change the name of slogan. It might be the right March but as the name is confusing so many men are opposing it.

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Shah Mar 06, 2020 01:33pm

One doing marketing is always responsible for how people interpret placards. A few years with marketing subjects in university has thought me this much.

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Srehman Mar 06, 2020 01:56pm

I think they should seriously think about changing the slogan but still keeping the cause

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Srehman Mar 06, 2020 02:03pm

@Vicky Malik unfortunately things are so tough to fight especially for the class that is suffering from it that it can only be privileged class that will fight for the rights of all because they might have seen it in their work , I see it all the time in my work or the privileged class also suffers from this different ways and form look at the case of dubai ruler how he abducted his two daughter and how he punished them by severe beatings and in the end his wife huya had to flee dubai in fear for her life ,look at the facts first the situation is so bad for women in our country that someone needs to raise voice for them however I agree that the slogan should be changed.

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Irrfan Mar 06, 2020 02:04pm

Any 'cause' that requires this much explanation, is probably not as amazing you think...

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Jm Mar 06, 2020 02:06pm

As a GP, I often come across married teenage girls with a baby or two. These little girls really have no idea about the lost opportunities. They also have difficulty understanding how to take care of themselves and their offspring. By the time they'll get to know, course correction would be highly improbable. I'm not talking only about the girls belonging to lower socioeconomic class; well educated and well endowed families carry the same curse.

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Tanvir Khan Mar 06, 2020 02:07pm

The vulgar, degrading, aggressive, commanding and inhuman attitude of Pakistani men towards women (as an object of insatiable lust) need a humanistic change in their consciousness!!!

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Saleem Mar 06, 2020 02:11pm

This is just one of the many other controversial slogans. Did the organizers throw light on the other controversial slogans as well ?

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Khawar Mar 06, 2020 02:11pm

If one needs half an hour lecture to get the meaning of slogan right, then surely there is an issue with the slogan itself. The people mostly are against the display of vulgar posters which were seen in previous instances.

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Zeshan Adil Mar 06, 2020 02:14pm

Your headline is what begs right question. If you already know that people wont understand that slogan then why not to use a more understandable slogan? The purpose is to raise awareness in masses or to confront them? If confronting was the purpose then you have lost the battle already as a sick minded person like Khalil qamar is the hero of this nation now and I blame liberals for their wit on this

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Keenobserver Mar 06, 2020 02:19pm

Poor choice of word in this slogan. Writer of slogan may mean well, and Women’s right is a very valid campaign, but responsible slogans are equally important issue as msg misunderstood can only hurt the campaign not help it.

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani Mar 06, 2020 02:23pm

It is sad to say that cheap slogans like 'Mara Jisim Mari Mirzi' are designed to degrade our respectable women. Whoever planned this is definitely very liberal and cunning person and using Aurat march as an excuse to fulfil their hidden agendas - a clever but immoral tactic to divide and incite people against eachother. Be aware of such dirty trick and be united! (Note: I regularly advocate my impartial views against injustice, inequality, oppression and nepotism without supporting any of the political parties. My family, country and people's well-being are far more important to me than anything else - be aware of fake ID's!).

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Rehana Mar 06, 2020 02:28pm

The actual problem exit with # Aurat March is its slogan " Mera Jism Meri Marzi". Why women need to explain the slogan to make them understand. Slogan should be self-explanatory, acceptable and appropriate to our society.

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Iftikhar Ahmed Mar 06, 2020 03:17pm

To avoid confusion and controversy, isn’t it better to reword the slogan and get the support of more people for legal rights of women. Rights of every individual of society (especially women and children) should be respected. I think no one can dare to oppose any movement, if the purpose of movement is clearly spelled out and it is within the framework of constitution of country .

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Naeemullah Mar 06, 2020 03:21pm

Everyone should refrain from using terminology having dual meaning. This term is a very vague term and the spectrum of meaning can vary from a holy place to brothel . So people with shady characters should not have influence in such movements. Take care is them for all.

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ZZQ Mar 06, 2020 03:26pm

While most of the demands are justified and our overall mindset towards women really needs a major overhaul, I fail to understand why the organizers are so touchy and hell bent on carrying on with the slogan "Mera Jism - Meri Marzi"??? Communication and campaigns are always made with the sense of not over creativity rather simplicity and ability for masses to understand it. Please see how much damage you have already done to the cause with some of your dual meaning and objectionable slogans. If you are really sincere to your mission, change your mindset first!

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M. Saeed Mar 06, 2020 03:42pm

The movement is commendable but the slogan is not conducive. It may be changed to Khawateen ki Hifazat March.

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Zarsad Mar 06, 2020 03:50pm

@Vicky Malik very true, 1 percent is showing they are representative of women. Stop it plz.

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AHAQ Mar 06, 2020 04:01pm

Words and sentences can be more misleading than the intention behind them. Selection of right words and sentences is important to convey a the intended message.

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saeeds Mar 06, 2020 04:22pm

@Vicky Malik So only victim need to come out against injustice, and rest just ignore. Don’t you think it’s good a thing that everyone unite for this cause irrespective of class. Appreciate good thing don’t be negative.

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TP LINK Mar 06, 2020 04:32pm

Pakistani men are light years away from understanding the meaning of "My body My wish"

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kp Mar 06, 2020 04:34pm

@Vicky Malik Well then it is more important, If these women have never suffered and yet they are asking right for oppressed ones, It shows they have a sense of motherhood and womanhood in them , They care about others. Kudos to these brave women.

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LetsEducate Mar 06, 2020 05:25pm

Vicky - It's not ironic, it's the way things work. Often the privileged have the power, freedom and resources to pull the underprivileged out of unfortunate situations. The no-war slogans are held by people outside the war zones. Your argument is strange and your presumptions about the women never being victims themselves is stranger. Nationalist - I think the real organizers are in fact doing that, it's just that often the circus is louder. Faseeh - A lot of them are. You are assuming to know each and every one at the march. There were placards about house help and social security for them. But nobody wants to talk about them.

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Tariq Mar 06, 2020 05:27pm

Language matters, slogans could have been written in a meaningful way rather controversial and now twitting explanation, whats the point !Unfortunately its tarnishing movement of women's right.

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Syed Mar 06, 2020 05:31pm

Add one more: an end to women abusing other women. No mother-in-law passing down her abusive experience to daughters-in-law; enmity between sisters-in-law; fooling men into becoming more violent creatures at home, finally finding happiness in escape from home.....for the greatest malaise to a woman without cure has another woman in it.

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Nadeem Jaffar Mar 06, 2020 05:40pm

I just want to add in this discussion which is going on turning into a fight, Please read Surah Nisa both genders will get there answers and please read the translation many times to understand it that is important.

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Ivan Karamazov Mar 06, 2020 05:52pm

Men simply refuse to learn and mind their own business. They'll invent every excuse to justify their sexism, so it is not even about the posters. Look at the comments in this section.

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Abdur Rauf Mar 06, 2020 05:58pm

This is not the country for freedom of vulgarity and obscenity.

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Ahmad nadeem Mar 06, 2020 06:18pm

I just want clarification from women what actually does it mean by Mera jism Meri marzi then I may be able to comment on it properly

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Moth Mar 06, 2020 06:19pm

Mera Jism Meri Marzi Even scholars like Hassan Nisan misinterpret the meanings of this slogan. This slogan is about individuals rights and respect. The married woman should be able to say no to the husband when suffering 104 degree fever. She should be able to say no to boss who is abusing his power and exploiting her vulnerability. This slogan also applies to children who could not distinguish between which body touch is bad and which is good. It is all about respecting another person’s existence, privacy and freedom. This slogan applies to physically disabled people also.

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book_reader Mar 06, 2020 06:26pm

@Vicky Malik Every woman who steps out of her home faces sexual harassment in Pakistan, whether it's verbal or physical, whether she uses public transport or has her own car.

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Hussain Mar 06, 2020 06:34pm

See the fact is 80% of us Pakistanis are not open minded, ok noted, so how about change the slogan to something the people find a bit more 'understandable'and a bit less what they term 'inappropriate' (I personally understand it to full extent). Isn't Aurat March suppose to be 'making' a point to the society and making them 'understand' the logic instead of making it an ego issue between both the genders? Aurat March should really have taken the higher road. Well the 'lower road' if i may say has already very well been occupied by us men, but you really shouldn't have jumped down with us in the same pool. If the mass is being provoked by a slogan, fine, there are plenty of others words that will give the message out in the same way it is now. Aurat March could've have taken the higher road.

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ABC Mar 06, 2020 07:20pm

Mera jism meri marzi is not any effective slogan as it is confusing and it's interpretation are varied and too much clarification is required.A. better easy to understand and effective slogan is required.

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ABC Mar 06, 2020 07:21pm

@Vicky Malik totally agree

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ABC Mar 06, 2020 07:22pm

@Faseeh ullah Irshad well written

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Al Mar 06, 2020 07:46pm

@Nationalist Totally agree with you. She can say mera mustakbil meri marzi, or mera wajood barabar hai!!

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Shahida Khan Mar 06, 2020 07:46pm

I do not agree with the slogan because Its not just about a women's body. The whole movement is about women's right. They are individuals not a commodity to be used at a mans whim. They are not an object to be owned and transferred to a different ownership after marriage . Which should be more of a partnership . Women do a lot more than a man can even imagine that's why our religion teaches us to respect your mothers, wives, daughters and all women in general. Honor a woman's choice rather than killing for Honor . Islam gives a woman the right to choose not a Father, brother or uncle to choose for her. If a man thinks a girl is of age to get married and take a burden of a household than she is old enough to make HER OWN choice of the man she wants to marry and when to marry.

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Shahida Khan Mar 06, 2020 07:49pm

Slogan should be more like ' Woman be given the rights and respect as directed by islam

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Khalid iqbal Mar 06, 2020 07:53pm

The women who participate in the march are hardly the ones who suffer the things , talked about in context , mera jism , Meri merzi , these are women who live in poverty , and put up with the behavior of the rich and affluent people , and are subject to abuse , the problem with these marches , they do not achieve any thing , have no direction , create a sense of female chauvinism , which is no better than male chauvinism .

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Ali Mar 06, 2020 08:30pm

Since there is no joblessness or inflation or bad governance issues to protest. Therefore, mera jism..... is the only thing left with us to march for.

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Amer Mar 06, 2020 09:51pm

It is not the plain and simple. Please read in between the lines.

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Rizwan Khan Mar 06, 2020 11:46pm

Actually there is no problem with demands the real problem is with the slogan, the words that are used in that slogan are inappropriate and are demoralizing the women status in a society where women is considered as noble. Try to use the right words for the right purpose.

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Feroze Shah Mar 06, 2020 11:57pm

It’s not new started in the West in 60’s by libertines rights for a lot of things our cultural norms will push back the slogans needs to be changed reflecting our society and cultural sensitivities.

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arman Mar 07, 2020 03:53am

Well lets accept it Pakistani society and by that I would like to add majority is not matured enough to accept that we men have wronged woman on many fronts, if we feel that they way woman are expressing is hurting our values than why not question it, why our society is not standing up against rape, acid attack forced marriages, and other areas of rights and freedom that Islam has given to our woman.

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arman Mar 07, 2020 04:01am

Mr Vicky when a nations deprives 50 percent of its population which is females the basic rights and you are right there may be a large portions of attendees in this gathering are from the affluent part of our society but do you really believe deprived ones have the back bone spine or the resource to come out of the bondage and show their wounds their men will not allow them to speak up, so these signs and placards are for those silent majority.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad AAli Mar 07, 2020 04:22am

This phrase is very old and common started in the USA during an EOEM ( equal opportunity employment movement ) in the late sixty and early seventies led by leading movie actors and parliamentarians. Those Pakistanis with dirty minds have interpreted all wrong. The phrase signifies the women population as a whole worldwide and injustices against them and I don't understand the criticism against the movement. I wish all the successes for the women of Pakistan.

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Supporter Aurat March Mar 07, 2020 05:07am

No one opposes the Aurat March. The problem is the slogan "my body my choice". This is the slogan of pro abortion groups. You can google the words and learn more. The battle over “my body, my choice” is not new; it has been raging over a century. So we just need to change the slogan and perhaps mention all the other things that are written here. Please Do not let the slogan derail the real campaign of improving women rights. The slogan also as you mention does not translate well in Urdu.

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Ibrahim S Mar 07, 2020 05:56am

There are certain taboos In our desi culture. Women are absolute honor of the family. No male should know her name, see her face and talk to her. In US, some families they have separate entrances for men and women to their houses. Large curtains are drawn to hide their women from men sitting. In their living room.

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neo Mar 07, 2020 06:04am

@Nationalist . If a slogan makes people uncomfortable then imagine how uncomfortable everyone will be when women will be truly empowered in this country.

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neo Mar 07, 2020 06:06am

Question to those who are against MERA JISM MARZI......should we change it to MERA JISM, AAPKEE MARZI ????

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illawarrior Mar 07, 2020 07:01am

@Nationalist There is NOTHING unpalatable about the slogan - why do you think it needs changing?

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Ibrahim S Mar 07, 2020 07:04am

If men calm down a little and try to understand their slogan, they will sympathize with women. . Please don’t take it literally , women are asking to be unshackled. If you still have problems with their slogan than please see a psychiatrist. You need help.

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Omer Malik Mar 07, 2020 08:18am

A slogan that was ill-thought off and is just creating controversy for no reason. If that is the kind of mindset of whoever leading the charge here then I don't see any change happening due to this.

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Carlito Brigante Mar 07, 2020 09:03am

Slogan is deceptive.not right.gives wrong message and vibes

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Laila Mar 07, 2020 09:20am

When people understand that a woman is entitled to say NO , it IS her body, you are not allowed to touch it, harass it, catcall, force her to marry against her will to satisfy your misguided sense of honour, not be a child bride, not be forced to birth child after child in pursuit of a son, not be forced to have a child in case of rape or incest, not be forced to sex even if she is your wife, not be forced to wear what you deem appropriate/modest /Islamic , not be beaten or have acid thrown on her, not be denied divorce, then slogans such as these won't be around. This does not apply to all men. It's important that we be honest about the social issues facing our society by also realize men are the allies of women. This is not a war on men or Islamic values. This is simply wanting rights. Nobody is asking to walk out naked or commit fornication (zina) in public. Its just about letting women be allowed to be individuals with equal access to education, social participation and dignity.

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Seemi Mar 07, 2020 09:23am

@Vicky Malik Women from upper class can also be facing violence at home . Domestic violence is not restricted to a particular class of people. It’s prevalent throughout our society and people are expected to hide these things

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Sameer Jalali Mar 07, 2020 10:17am

Mera jism meri marzi, is a literal translation of the Abortion rights movement which translates as my body my choice. There needs to be clarification here not just people chanting something they don't know the history of.

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Nick, NY Mar 07, 2020 01:09pm

The people who came up with the controversial slogans lack Urdu language proficiency! Their intent could be good, but their message got attenuated by the poor selection of words and phrases, rather their ideas got lost and became victim to their poor writings! It is always a good idea to have one's writings scrutinized by someone who has better command of language. Getting feedback and some kind of assessment always enhance the quality of work. This issue is not limited to march only, in news media, newscasters are reading a mixture of Urdu and English words with no attention to the rules of grammar and pronunciation! Where have all news editors gone? Who would teach them grammar and pronunciation? The march organizers and participants ought to consult linguists and get their feedback on the language of their banners and posters to minimize unnecessary controversy!

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John Mar 07, 2020 01:17pm

The controversial slogans have exposed the basic literacy issue of society.

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Khurram Shehzad Mar 07, 2020 02:36pm

Make some other slogan please so you don't have to explain to everyone

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Tzaman Mar 07, 2020 03:04pm

The solgan is ok. Dirt is in the mind of the people who consider this slogan as dirty. They are dirty ones. Just for information for the culturally expired groups, I heard from my grandfather the 1949 famous Indian song - Hawa me urta jaay Mera laal dupatta - was considered vulgar, and was not allowed to be listened by "Good" people. Is it vulgar? As a male I will also say Mera Jism Meri Marzi.

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M. Saeed Mar 07, 2020 05:53pm

K,U.R. Qamar has become relentlessly proud after the success of his drama MPTH, which even exposed his misogynistic tendencies. His arrogant reply to Geo above, is the proof that, what is being said about him in the very strong media reaction to his recent TV talk show, is absolutely right. His outburst against a women on live TV might be his sudden reflex action but, insisting to be righteous in all his endeavors and not correctable, is highly deplorable and not at all acceptable under any eventuality.

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Dr. Gonorrrhea. Aamir Ahmad Mar 08, 2020 01:33am

Not only women but why any one should have to fight for their rights?

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Laila Mar 08, 2020 05:14am

@Sameer Jalali definitions of slogans chants mottos quotes change depending on ti'e, context, place, people, culture. So it may mean one think 50-60 years ago in the USA or Europe but today in Pakistan it means many other things because the struggle while related has a multitude of other issues and facets. Nobody owns a slogan. Others can use it too.

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Laila Mar 09, 2020 08:28am

@neo splendid idea, considering that would be on line with reality, where women's bodies are after all property of the menfolk both in the family and society. The bitter truth triggered those calling it controversial and inappropriate.

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Read All Comments

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Dawn Images

Some people really don't understand what Mera Jism Meri Marzi really stands for, and it shows

If this man has learnt from history, why can't you?

Contrary to popular belief, it's not about how you dress —although it does include that too!

It means no to forced pregnancies

And sexual assault and rape

Have we forgotten how many women are victims of acid attacks?

Or genital mutilation that happens behind closed doors?

For anyone who thinks it advocates for obscenity...

Spoiler alert: it doesn't

Thanking the heavens for OKB right about now...

Shehzad Roy gets it. Why don't you?

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