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We rounded up our favourite posters from Aurat March in Karachi

We rounded up our favourite posters from Aurat March in Karachi

From Palestine to children's education rights, this year's placards showed solidarity with a myriad of causes.
08 Mar, 2024

Every year, the Aurat March is held on International Women’s Day — March 8 — and people pour in from all corners of the city to stand with women and other marginalised communities. As part of their protest, marchers often carry posters and placards featuring issues closest to their hearts.

This year, we rounded up our favourite posters at the Aurat March and Ehtejaji Mela (Women’s March and Protest Festival) in Karachi.

Some incredible art skills were on display

This group of friends had pretty cool posters calling for “another push to the wall of patriarchy” (right), the iconic Aurat March catchphrase “my body my choice” (centre) and “a woman’s place is in the resistance” (left). We couldn’t agree more with each of these!

Men exhibited their solidarity

“You talk about a woman’s clothes — this nation doesn’t spare kids or animals.” This ally highlighted how it isn’t only women’s bodily autonomy that is harmed by perpetrators of violence — it is anyone and anything the patriarchy can oppress.

Protesting enforced disappearances of Baloch men

The Aurat March was selling posters protesting the enforced disappearance of Baloch men, which simply questioned where the men were. The simple black poster was harrowing.

‘Stop gender-based violence’

Women of all ages gathered to call for an end to gender-based violence.

Some were just sassy — and we’re obsessed with that

This protester is having none of men’s s***t, and rightfully so. If you can’t be pleasant then we don’t have to give you anything in return, full stop.

People highlighted causes closest to their hearts

Some protested in the name of Palestinian women who continue to suffer at the hands of Israeli aggression, others voiced their support for the trans community who are often relegated to the corners of society. We love the pink posters and pink outfits but most of all we love the messages of solidarity.

Support for Palestine was on full display

From keffiyehs to watermelons, no one shied away from supporting Palestine.

We hope you’re not too terrified by these ‘dangerous women’

This poster of “dangerous women” showcased trailblazers and change makers. It’s sad that the patriarchy is so fragile it’s scared by women’s voices.

Children came forth to demand their rights

In a moving display, a procession called for education and nutrition rights for children. Posters read: “A healthy environment and good nutrition is my right” and called for the Sindh government to provide them with their rights.

The simplest messages spoke the loudest

While we saw some awesome stuff this year, it was very evident that there was a slight lack of posters. Perhaps it was because there were fewer people in attendance compared to previous years or perhaps the marchers wanted to enjoy the event and not lug around giant placards in the Karachi heat.

One thing is for sure, we can’t wait to see what everyone brings to next year’s Aurat March — hope you’ve got your art ready!

Comments

Ehsan Mar 08, 2024 07:42pm
More power and rights for Pakistani women
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Syed Hasni Mar 08, 2024 07:57pm
Mera Jism Meri Marzi is my all-time favorite and people who have a problem with should read this, Nazar teri Gandi aur purdah mien Keraun
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Taj Ahmad Mar 08, 2024 08:58pm
In today’s world, women’s are more responsible than men, so please respect to our women and take care of them with love and respect,Thanks.
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jsav12 Mar 08, 2024 11:00pm
Some people like to say that women have achieved their rights, now they should stop making noise about feminism. Meanwhile, women have to pray every day that they reach home safe at the end of the day.
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Ahmed Mar 08, 2024 11:39pm
Nothing of value was added
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Sudha Seetharaman Mar 09, 2024 04:30am
Beautiful march
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Raj Khan Mar 09, 2024 11:42am
What a sad state when women have to ask for such basic rights!
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Pro West Mar 09, 2024 03:33pm
Only pro Aurat March comments. Isn't moderation a wonderful propaganda tool
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Awesome Mar 09, 2024 07:06pm
This isn't and shouldn't be "Stone Age" anymore!
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Ahmad barakzai Mar 10, 2024 03:54am
Ladies holding Cards for Palestine and standing with rights of transgenders only worthy among all.
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Sardar Mar 10, 2024 11:50am
The problem lies with men. Their tribal thinking must change.
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Laila Mar 10, 2024 02:54pm
Since the start of Aurat March or International Women's Day celebration in Pakistan in 2018 majority of the ignorant and misogynist society has relentlessly utilised every way to being down, defame, shame, intimidate, baselessly accuse AMs, including many so called decent and honorable males have threatened the females organizers and participants with rape etc, including so-called/pseudo journalists turning up to AM with their own agenda of "exposing" and mocking attendants, passing judgements and not letting them answer and twisting their words, one can hardly blame them. People dont take offense to the reality of lack of rights and freedom for women but they do take offense at anybody standing up for their rights. Lets not forget how Jamaat e Islami and their female studen turn up every year on AM day to throw stones shoes and shout obscenities like mental patients at AMers. Nobody's interested in facts or what AM has to say, they just want them to go away so status quo can remain and misogynists ane patriarchy can remain in power. Funny though how the same Pakistanis will not hesitate to go abroad and then use the same so-called western/vulgar/modern/feminist/liberal laws to gain footing and demand extra rights and special treatment and demand that the host country changes for their sakes.
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Queen Mar 13, 2024 08:55am
No poster about the brave and resilient women who are incarcerated in jail for more than 10 months for exercising their political rights? Selective feminism is not feminism.
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Laila Mar 14, 2024 12:19pm
@ Queen Unless you were there (which you obviously weren't) and read all the posters, you can't claim that. Dawn showed just a few. AM is attended by people of all backgrounds including political affiliations. Not all are feminists. Ironically, Pakistani women were being incarcerated on false and trumped up charges before 2023 with many languishing for years, decades ultimately dying in jail. No concern or outrage for them and their rights? Selective sympathy is not sympathy.
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