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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!