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Mira Sethi just explained Mera Jism, Meri Marzi better than you ever could

Mira Sethi just explained Mera Jism, Meri Marzi better than you ever could

The actor dropped some truth bombs about bodily agency, Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and working with a male ally like OKB.
Updated 17 Mar, 2020

Mira Sethi was the spokesperson for every woman in Pakistan when she appeared on Taimoor Salahuddin's (Mooro) podcast recently.

She minced no words as she spoke about hypocrisy of Pakistani society reflected in roles offered to women, violence at Aurat March, and in allowing men like Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and Amir Liaquat to be the voice of television.

Talking about the limited characters written for women, she said, "In the context of Pakistani dramas, especially for women, the leads are boring. You're either crying, or somebody is inflicting violence upon you – which is not boring but it’s a very one-tone role."

She added that she felt there are not many opportunities for character-based acting, and to play a leading role, one has to fit into "a very good-looking mould."

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

While discussing television writing, the conversation moved to Qamar.

"Khalil sahib was an enigma five years ago; nobody had a face to put to the name, nobody had a voice or personality to put to the name. We had no clue who he was at the time," she pointed out.

"He has done a disservice to himself – though he doesn’t think so, because now he is a cheerleader for very, very ugly conservative, problematic thoughts in this country. He has unmasked himself and what he has revealed is deeply ugly."

"The very, very sad thing is that he has a constituency. I saw him speaking on a channel the other day and men were cheering him on. The producer told me, aap ignore karein, ap bhi tou engage kar rahi hain (ignore him, why are you engaging). Why should I ignore? He is sh**ting on my fellow artists, on women, on transgender folk. Except Amir Liaquat. This is the country where we live. It takes an Amir Liaquat to put a Khalil ur Rehman Qamar into his place and even then, they both know exactly what they’re all about," she added.

Preach queen!

Sethi also exerted the labour of once again, breaking down the controversial slogan Mera Jism, Meri Marzi for those who still do not understand it.

"A lot of people said it should have been Meri Zindagi, Meri Marzi, (my life, my choice) or Mera Wujood, Meri Marzi (my existence my choice). The point is, the slogan was so triggering to men because of the word jism (body). When they think of jism, they think of all things sexual. Whereas Mera Jism, Meri Marzi is women fundamentally saying you don’t get to set the terms of my life, my body, my decisions, my agency, you don’t get to dictate."

With this, she also pointed out how men will manipulate you to behave a certain way, by creating this dichotomy between a 'good' woman and a 'bad' woman.

"This is the oldest thing in the world. Putting women on a pedestal but what you're actually doing is putting them in a cage. "Jo aurat hoti hai woh bewafa nahi hoti, aur jo bewafa hoti hai woh aurat nahi hoti’ (A woman is not a cheater, and the one who cheats, is not a woman). This means there is no room to make mistakes and if you do make one, you should be punished and exiled and ostracised from society."

"People are human, if a man can go astray, women have the same makeup as men. They can go astray too. Well-behaved women seldom make history," shared the Dil Banjaara actor.

She also spilled the beans regarding her upcoming project, a Ramadan transmission comedy in which she's working with Osman Khalid Butt for the first time.

"OKB is so great, he is woke but in a very real sense, he’s not the fake woke. If you scratch the surface, you won't get somebody who has deep, dark thoughts that are actually not progressive, he’s genuinely progressive. For OB, I'll say that thank god there are educated heroes in the industry. He’s one of those, he is very good at his work."

"And he's a sweetheart. I get him and he gets me and there’s a real rapport. Ali Safina is playing my husband, he is hilarious and a cutie patootie. And Uzma Baig is playing the dadi." The serial is being directed by Danish Nawaz.

You can listen to the entire podcast here

Comments

Fida Mar 16, 2020 02:51pm
More women should come forward and blast the so called man hypocrites.
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Queen Mar 16, 2020 02:53pm
"People are human, if a man can go astray, women have the same makeup as men. They can go astray too. Well-behaved women seldom make history," If only the "men" in our society can understand this.....
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M. Saeed Mar 16, 2020 02:54pm
"Mera Jism, Meri Marzi " would have made a very lucrative title for a story by Saadat Hasan Mantoo .
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Fida Mar 16, 2020 02:54pm
The women should not fear the man, whose hypocrisy has no bound. I salute the lady, who has guts to trash the man like Liaquat and Qamar.
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shoaib Mar 16, 2020 03:06pm
No one has the right to go astray. Instead of addressing this problem one cannot come with an excuse to do the like.
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Sarfraz Mar 16, 2020 03:10pm
Moderator should allow comments from other side as well which certainly are not in line with the policy of this newspaper!! That's called biased reporting!
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Naeem Malik Mar 16, 2020 03:18pm
I am not surprised, how she explains it in a very simple term. She is a chip of an old block...Fair play to her
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Rubina Mar 16, 2020 03:22pm
A slogan will always mean what it's connotation is conveying and the way it is understood by the majority. Why there is a need for explanation for MJMM? not only men, but women also feel this is an inappropriate slogan. A small vocal minority wants to pin a title on the majority.
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Akram Mar 16, 2020 03:24pm
I am sure within Pakistan the voice of guys like qamar and liaquat can be disheartening, however I would leave you with this; There is no economically developed country in the world that has not allowed freedom to its women, the two are inter linked. Hence although there is currently a fight ongoing in Pakistan over women's rights, the fight in the developed world is much further ahead regarding equal pay and rights. Pakistan when it awakes from its sleep will do the same as the west and be forced by technology and modernity to adjust to the new world. Time itself is on our side.
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Shahid Mar 16, 2020 03:47pm
Lets agree to her thoughts I have a question to miss sethi why our society don't allow to men to get 2nd marriage since its is allowed in Sharahiaa.. don't talk about only for the women rights you should have a courage to talk about the rights given to the men. BE FARE.
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Sita White Mar 16, 2020 03:48pm
Zzzzzzzzz
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Moiz Mar 16, 2020 03:48pm
When are we going to close this issue.
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Ozman Mar 16, 2020 03:50pm
@M. Saeed Mantoo had no "Lucrative" bone in his body!
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Andrew Mar 16, 2020 04:01pm
The thought process is so low in intellect. The slogan fails to understand a basic fact (both in the male and female context), it is categorically not your body to decide. This is a clear fact unless you're looking at it from a mere secular perspective. In which case you're misssinh the point. Humanity without divinity is no humanity!
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Analyst Mar 16, 2020 04:01pm
How intellectual!
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Tariq Mar 16, 2020 04:07pm
Mr. Khalil and Mira sethi and people different from them they all are going to co-exist and we had to make us understand that we cannot wipe any body out or try to humiliate anyone as everyone has the right to feel, say and that is called opinion either we like it or not. It is not a war please try to make sense.
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Hassan Mar 16, 2020 04:18pm
Apka jism, Apki Marzi!
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Furrukh Rao Mar 16, 2020 04:22pm
@M. Saeed Saadat Hussein Manto was a male chauvinist he only want women to be in Kothas not anywhere else.
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Sajid Ghafoor Mar 16, 2020 04:23pm
this slogan has overshadowed many of the actual issues of women, specially women of small cities (big cities alike), why no slogan like, my journey my scooter- majority women cannot afford cars (a safer ride) like you ladies might be enjoying. Many are dependent on their Bro, dad or hubbies who sometime helps or sometime not. why dont you create a hype for that. it will make more sense as well. it will bring more confidence to women. male starring ?? it will go away as soon as people get use to see it. there are 100 priority issues than this slogan and are better achievable too in our society. power, confidence and easing the norms for women in the society are the real needs. this over-hyped slogan will be achieved as by product anyway at later stages. TO HELL WITH THOSE DOING IT JUST FOR TRP.
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Vick Ray Mar 16, 2020 04:27pm
Mera Jism Meri Marzi, is a local adaptation of the well known global slogan 'My Body, My Choice' that masks the global LGBTQ+ agenda. The slogan is a pro-choice slogan for abortion rights, same sex marriage and gay rights.
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Bikram Singh Mar 16, 2020 04:36pm
The worst part was that the bigots like Atir ur Rehman are made a hero by the public. Mira is speaking the right thing.
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Hassan Mar 16, 2020 04:37pm
This all proves that we are a society which does not even allow women to have their own slogans, forget rights!
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Dr Adnan khan Mar 16, 2020 04:44pm
And why are qe giving her opinion importance? Like who is she?
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kabeelakhan Mar 16, 2020 04:45pm
@Fida including you.
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Indo-Arya Mar 16, 2020 04:47pm
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar is the Harvey Weinstein of Pakistan.
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sarfraz Ali Mar 16, 2020 04:51pm
@Moiz When general population starts respecting women as they choose to be.
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Tejinder Pal Singh Mar 16, 2020 04:57pm
Over the years world has seen placards inPakistani protests that have threatened killings, justified terrorists, ignored child molestors, defiled minorities.,but a statement that points out an obvious reality of self will is the one thats caused countrywide concern???
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thinking Mar 16, 2020 05:00pm
She summed it pretty well. Kudos
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Vercingetorix Mar 16, 2020 05:18pm
she also pointed out how men will manipulate you to behave a certain way, by creating this dichotomy between a 'good' woman and a 'bad' woman. - true, but women as just as good at doing this to other women as men.
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Rameay Mar 16, 2020 05:38pm
Start respecting one another.
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Sleeping_Dawn Mar 16, 2020 06:07pm
So let's adopt the western culture then.
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kt Mar 16, 2020 06:13pm
The slogan was first used most recently against anti-abortionists.
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Saifuddin Takhtawala Mar 16, 2020 06:18pm
Impressive Mira. Agreed in toto.
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بلال Mar 16, 2020 06:34pm
is there a link to listen full podcaet?
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ukasha rajpoot Mar 16, 2020 06:40pm
Justice and Equality should be the norm of the society.
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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani Mar 16, 2020 06:42pm
In my view, like other liberals, Mira Sethi is expressing her personal views to be in the news. Its all depend upon an individual, who respond to his or her upbringings, life experience and how their mindset is developed in different societies, etc. So, don't take note to such individual comments, look logically and don't give up your religious values and morals, because without these eithics, there is no difference between us and western societies! (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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wasim Mar 16, 2020 06:52pm
@Moiz when women get their rights, you really dont get this.
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SMF Mar 16, 2020 07:16pm
so sorry to see the state of mind of a few people who are trying to justify rights of women by starting from their jism etc. they can talk about achievements of women and try to put this topic up by other means. but we start from jism. and no matter how nicely you put this up sugar coat it and blame others to not understand the term. still . u know u are asking for physical freedom only thru this slogan. and then there come the "enlightened people" who will preach that all others who dont accept this term are illustrates and conservatives where 95% of the women also disown this term.
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Qasim Ali Mar 16, 2020 07:18pm
"Women have same makeup as men" No they don't. There are differences. Biologically as well as psychologically. Both sides are pushing towards extremes
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Srehman Mar 16, 2020 07:19pm
Totally agree
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Maverick Mar 16, 2020 07:22pm
Thank you Mira For speaking up More power to you
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Naxalite Mar 16, 2020 07:29pm
Enough of this. Focus on crona
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N_Saq Mar 16, 2020 07:37pm
Very nicely and articulately put. My only question is how can you explain this to Mullah brigade and Feudals. She nailed it i.e. when men go astray it is okay but when women go astray, she needs to be killed. It is a typical old/neanderthal mentality i.e. he is a boy so he should go to school, play sports, he will carry my name, he will be my sahara when I am old etc whereas she is a girl so no point sending her to school, she should only learn how to cook and clean, she will leave one day, kill her if she wants to play sports etc. Men used to think the same way in the West until 1960s but women fought for their rights and look how far they have come along. Anybody telling you that women in the West are not happy with the freedoms they have is nothing but a lair. Today in the West, daughters make more money then son because they are highly educated and it is the daughter who takes care of you when you get old etc, so the West figured out that daughter is as important as son.
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zh Mar 16, 2020 07:55pm
The term "my body, my choice" (mera jism mery marzi) was first used for abortion rights. It does necessarily have sexual connotations. All the hullaballoo by men only shows their insecurity.
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Wajahat Mar 16, 2020 08:34pm
Western Societies which follow Mera jism meri marzi are on the brink of destruction. Why we follow them? We have our norms, values we don’t need some paid NGO’s to westernise our culture.
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Kamran Mar 16, 2020 08:35pm
Should have been "Meri Zindagi Meri Marzi" expresses all what Ms. Sethi was advocating.
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Naveed Mar 16, 2020 08:38pm
Liberals are actually more hypocrite than conservative. Take the example of Marvi Sarmad, how can this woman representative of millions of Pakistani women. But no, my dear liberals like her just because she is advocate of their ideas.
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Rabia Saeed Mar 16, 2020 08:53pm
And i dont understand if khaleel thinks of liberal women in such a negative way then why he is casting bold women in his dramas who are signing the dramas by their own marzi and wearing modern dresses instead of abayas as well. Khaleel should quit showbizz if he doesn't like modern things. Anyways change starts from oneself rather then preaching like a Moulana and earning super profits from his dramas showing bold women as well. Hypocrisy
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Rino Mar 16, 2020 09:09pm
No issue with the thoughts. More the 80% of us women in this country find the word “Jism” to be too provocative to get ourselves associated to. In my whole family (A very large and prominent industrialist memon family in Karachi with average education of graduate plus and most of the women are doctors and MBAs with very strong position in household) i do not find a single women who thinks this is our representation. Don't know what the problem of the likes of Mira Sethi.
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Asif Ali Mar 16, 2020 09:55pm
"Mera Jism, Meri Marzi " natural voice of a human being, which make him or her diffrent from a animal or slave.
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Tamza Mar 16, 2020 10:16pm
In ANY venture initiative one MUST use language that elicits support, not resistance. If using ‘jism’ triggers reactions as we have seen, it would have been smarter to use ‘zindagi’ or ‘jaan’. The point is to achieve movement to change in the desired direction.
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Saira khan Mar 16, 2020 10:40pm
Other than the slogan, perhaps it’s a good idea to not feel ashamed to explain things in Urdu? The inferiority complex is what repels normal Pakistanis from celebrities
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Prapur Mar 16, 2020 11:05pm
You did very good analysis of slogan and explained the meaning too. Pakistan and Islam follower has long way too go to accept women as equal half. Just think of your mothers sacrifices to raise you and all men/women will value not price of who needs whom. Without woman that is mother, sister, wife, daughter, daughter in low and such life will be hell for any man. Don’t treat woman an object but human being.
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Asad Mar 16, 2020 11:47pm
In Pakistan the slogan might have been used in a different context but I think it has been translated from American slogan of “My body my choice.” In the US it has been used to defend woman’s right to abortion! Who would have thought it would be a thorny issue in 21 st century America!
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Laila Mar 17, 2020 12:07am
I LOVE her. She said everything I have been thinking. I don't mind the Khalils of our society giving their views, as ignorant, deflective, patriarchal, misogynistic and repugnant as they may be, but I mind the way they opine and normalize abusive language. Man or woman, each deserves respect when spoken to. Two wrongs don't make a right. Unfortunately our culture and society are deeply misogynistic and women are complicit too, because its in the very roots and upbringing, schooling, media, politics. No denial, homemade statistics or unsubstantiated claims will make validate the Khalils of our society. To fix a problem we at least need to talk openly and honestly and find solutions. Denial is not a solution. It won't make it go away. Men and women are each others allies. But what has been exposed over this whole march business is a cause for concern. We are up against institutionalized and systematic misogyny. This is not even in Islam. Let's fight the misogyny together.
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Omer Malik Mar 17, 2020 12:15am
It is an illogical slogan, just made to stir up controversy, if the women had smart leaders up front they would have changed it instantly, but they have leaders who have other hidden agendas and that is why they defended it and it is our Pakistani mindset that we will blindly defend our leaders, regardless of what's right or wrong.
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minhaj Mar 17, 2020 12:23am
This is a polarized issue. With all polarized issues, the truth is always somewhere other than with one side. Both sides have an incomplete perspective. Women have been mistreated for a long time (all over the world) and it is high time that women should be given the respect they deserve. Women that want to lead an independent lifestyle should be allowed to do so. But the feminist must realize that we are all co-dependent on each other at a macro level. What is seen as desirable in this world is actually an illusion. Greed, lust, gluttony, pride are in reality worthless. Man has historically gone after these at a faster pace than women. Yes, women should be allowed to pursue these at the same rate. But realize, that pursuing these is sub-optimal. Both men and women should learn to live in a different manner. A less materialistic manner. A unified manner with respect and co-dependence as its main tenant.
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Vijay B. Mar 17, 2020 12:35am
I have known about Mira Sethi daughter of Najam Sethi and Jugnu Sehi since she was nominated to give the commencement address at her graduation at the very elite Wellesley College in USA, and did a bang up job delivering that address. I have followed her ever since, and have seen her change gears from journalism at the WSJ to show biz in Pakistan. She is a good looking, talented, intelligent and articulate young lady and I wish her all success in any endeavor she chooses to participate in. Mira's explanation of "Mera jism, meri marzi" is spot on.
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Vijay B. Mar 17, 2020 01:24am
The slogan "mera jism, meri marzi" seems to demand or endow a woman with full control over her physical being i e she can dress as she pleases (within the realms of decency) go places, be skinny or fat etc etc, but says nothing about her having the freedom of thought. You don't want physical freedom but have your mind controlled by someone else. So let next years slogan be "mera Jism,. mera Andaaz, meri Marzi." or mera JAM.
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Laila Mar 17, 2020 02:15am
@Moiz when women are treated with equal respect and given autonomy of their life, life choices and decisions ranging from their body, mind to their soul. When they are no longer oppressed, victimized, reviled and brutalized in the name of patriarchy and fake izzat and fake sharam, but given equal opportunities and freedom to be, who they want without anybody forcing, touching or caging (metaphorically speaking) them. This doesn't mean all men are bad. Many Pakistani men are kind souls, classic gentlemen who will defend their woman until their last breath and zho never feel they are inferior to their women. The war is on the patriarchy, ignorance and misogyny, not men.
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manzer Mar 17, 2020 03:03am
This slogan is a direct translation of "My body my choice" and is essentially a slogan of abortion right activists. And it fits well in that context. "Meri Zindagi Meri Murzi" will be a better slogan to express what Ms. Mira Sethi is saying.
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True Mar 17, 2020 04:08am
people are good and bad all around the world, by doing saying like Mera jism you actually portray Pak for women as v bad. Dear Mira you exist in Pak doing Aurat March saying anything at your level, this is your freedom. About house wives I haven't seen a home where women Don't rule. Call me lucky or alien. Most imp to close my post. Families I know divide Father property to there sisters either married or non married. Where in west the women have any portion in father property left overs? Mira ji open challenge to you, if you read
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AbdulHaque Shaikh Mar 17, 2020 04:42am
This Aurat march all about grievances of women of high society. 90% of women in Pakistan are poor and want good life for their families. These women have all the tools available to get rid of abusive spouses. If they need Aurat March, they need to overturn Islamic tradition of society so that they can have " Mera Jism Meri Merzi" Only thing they do not know that Pakistan will have many more predators like Harvey Wienstine etc, etc and will never be able to blame Islamic/Pakistan traditions just like Mira Shethi. Nothing is perfect in life of human except its creator
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S.Ahmad Washington D.C. Mar 17, 2020 04:54am
The only people who take umbrage over this innocent phrase are those who prefer to confine women to the four walls of their homes!
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Mahmood Ashraf Mar 17, 2020 06:53am
Those people who defending slogan "MERA JISM MERI MARZI " remember just one thing , doesn't matter how beautifully you write " WRONG" and how colourful you make it , it always be read as " WRONG"
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Mujtaba Mar 17, 2020 06:54am
Slogan has to be self explanatory.! “ Just be yourself” . and chill.. why is this dude “Rehman so. Important “ ?
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Thomas Alexander Mar 17, 2020 07:25am
Why don't Pakistani women write in these columns ? Comment sections are mostly men.
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Queen Mar 17, 2020 08:31am
@Moiz why should we?
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Sohaila Javed Mar 17, 2020 09:04am
Wise and intelligent. Much desired qualities in both men and women. Consider!
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sixes Mar 17, 2020 09:09am
@Thomas Alexander If you can pose as foreigner, women are shy to pass their views on this particular subject.
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Masood Haider Mar 17, 2020 09:31am
Very relevant comments by her. It is a disgrace that even a TV channel owned by a progressive woman continues to portray women in the most demeaning stereotype as a needy, helpless, subservient wallowing in a vale of tears whereas other channels think nothing of having them slapped around and being divorced at the drop of a hat; not even a true depiction of life in today's Pakistan. The Pakistani playwrights need to evolve into coming up with more human interest stories.
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Nick, NY Mar 17, 2020 10:34am
Emulating western slogans won't help any women in Pakistan! Women in Pakistan are facing opposition and resistance viz a viz illiteracy, machoism and waderism!
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Sid Mar 17, 2020 10:40am
“Whereas Mera Jism, Meri Marzi is women fundamentally saying you don’t get to set the terms of my life, my body, my decision, my agency, you don’t get to dictate“ If so then say it like that in urdu as well. Instead of focusing on just the Jism. And just because men do something wrong it doesn’t mean women should as well. As a society we need to promote decency and good manners for BOTH men and women.
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Mustafa Mar 17, 2020 11:03am
All these women rights seem to be upper class women with economic might behind them. Media should be talking to the middle and lower middle economic class to see what issues they face in jobs education etc....top down does not work
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nayim phool Mar 17, 2020 11:52am
People have jungle minds and think like junglees they should think like humans the slogan is about preventing abuses and treating women like humans not cattle by men, as ingrained in our society this movement is a start.
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MBA Mar 17, 2020 12:08pm
"...Meri Marzi is women fundamentally saying you don’t get to set the terms of my life, my body, my decisions, my agency, you don’t get to dictate." Let it be the choice of each Pakistani women and men in near future. This is one of the fundamental building stones of Naya Pakistan. How can you develop a country, where half of its population is in continuous war with another half?
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Amarnath Mar 17, 2020 01:03pm
This lady is so well spoken.
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hashaam Mar 17, 2020 05:58pm
It seems to me that every one has their own definition of this controversial phrase
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Hani_Layyah Mar 18, 2020 12:30am
@Rubina well penned
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:17am
@shoaib it’s not about making excuses but it’s about not having a different way of looking at mistakes made by Both men and women. Making mistake is human and if you are so willing to forgive a man for being lecherous or for infidelity or smoking or being out till late in the night then do not kill a woman for the same acts
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:19am
@Shahid your question is beyond belief. Sure give men right to have 2 wives but then do not stop women from having 2 husbands. That is what is mean by equal rights.
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:22am
@Andrew sure but then why do men try to decide for women? And why are girls forced to marry old men , why are girls forced to abandon education or not have financial independence or are subject to acid attacks or molestation. All the talk about divinity is good but then should women let anyone have a go at them because no one has the right to decide about their body?
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:25am
@Sleeping_Dawn if by adopting western culture you mean women being financially independent, being able to have their own voice, being able to choose their own husband, not being subject to acid attacks or honour killing, people generally being more honest and less corrupt, move value of human life, then why not?
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:27am
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani yes there is lot of difference between Pakistani and Western societies after common people in western societies are much more honest, less corruption, people feel safer especially women, there is more respect for people from other cultures, more progress in science . How can we ever wish to become like that!!!
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:31am
@Qasim Ali sure there are differences but that does not mean that men should decide what women should or should not do. Let them decide on their own as long as they are not being violent or damaging towards another. Why do men get so furious and agitated about everything women do ... their dress, their independence, their choices, their voice. Just let women be.
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:35am
@SMF what’s wrong with physical freedom.... why should a woman not have the right to marry who she wants to , to love who she wants to.... would you not want the same for yourself? What about the freedom to travel, to be out without fear of physical violence, to have the freedom to take up a job, to have the freedom to stay single, to have the freedom to choose when to have a child. Why is that wrong?
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:43am
@True well in US neither male or female child have automatic claim on parents property. The law does not discriminate based on gender
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Arsha Mar 18, 2020 01:47am
@Mustafa in most cases change begins from elite sections and percolates to the lower rungs of the society
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Laila Mar 18, 2020 04:54am
THIS! This is why many women want to claim their rights and bodies because they are tired of being harassed. Even a march they can't have in peace and yet ignorant critics ask why are they marching, what rights? Right to congregate without being harassed. This article made me cry. Because it happens to most, if not all of us females despite age and dress, when we step outside. From the shameless persistent staring, to having photos and videos taken of us, just because we happen to be in public as females. It is about the struggle of wanting to protect yourself as a woman but also as a child. The child in the article was 11 and the older sister putting her leg between her sister and the predator man, is not unfamiliar territory. Females of this soil, the nation of the pure, should be safe. Yet we are not. Ladies: next time when somebody harasses you in public, turn your camera on them in their face. Document it, call them out. The real men of Pakistan: support and defend us.
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Laila Mar 18, 2020 06:33am
@Mahmood Ashraf your opinion is not fact so what you think is wrong or vulgar or bad or modern or liberal or whatever doesn't matter. They are protected by the constitution.
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Laila Mar 18, 2020 06:45am
@Mustafa I am from a middle class family. None of our females go on TV or social media with such things. I think you're out of loop with reality. It's like when average females like me in purdah get harassed. If we speak against it we are treated as if we are in wrong. I was told to accept it and move along. By women. Even in burka and niqab we are not safe. It's seen as shameful to even talk about it in the family. So we hide it because we don't our reputation to suffer. Some females faces harsher punishments like honour killing. I don't. So unless you are a Pakistani female who has gone thru these problems, you don't get a say in this.
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Laila Mar 18, 2020 06:45am
THIS! This is why many women want to claim their rights and bodies because they are tired of being harassed. Even a march they can't have in peace and yet ignorant critics ask why are they marching, what rights? Right to congregate without being harassed. This article made me cry. Because it happens to most, if not all of us females despite age and dress, when we step outside. From the shameless persistent staring, to having photos and videos taken of us, just because we happen to be in public as females. It is about the struggle of wanting to protect yourself as a woman but also as a child. The child in the article was 11 and the older sister putting her leg between her sister and the predator man, is not unfamiliar territory. Females of this soil, the nation of the pure, should be safe. Yet we are not. Ladies: next time when somebody harasses you in public, turn your camera on them in their face. Document it, call them out. The real men of Pakistan: support and defend us.
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Laila Mar 18, 2020 06:46am
I LOVE her. She said everything I have been thinking. I don't mind the Khalils of our society giving their views, as ignorant, objectionable, patriarchal, misogynistic and repugnant as they may be, but I mind the way they opine and normalize abusive language. Man or woman, each deserves respect when spoken to. Two wrongs don't make a right. Unfortunately our culture and society are deeply misogynistic and women are complicit too, because its in the very roots and upbringing, schooling, media, pilitics. No denial, homemade statistics or unsubstantiated claims will make validate the Khalils of our society. To fix a problem we at least need to talk openly and honestly and find solutions. Denial is not a solution. It won't make it go away. Men and women are each others allies. But what has been exposed over this whole march business is a cause for concern. We are up against institutionalized and systematic misogyny. This is not even in Islam. Let's fight the misogyny together.
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Laila Mar 18, 2020 06:50am
@Rubina nobody's pinning anything on anybody. Just don't attend their gatherings or marches. But they have a constitutional right to assemble and opine. The rest of can agree or disagree, participate or not. I don't se the inappropriate with the slogan. Tolerance goes a long way.
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fairguy Mar 18, 2020 09:13pm
@N_Saq .... but sons are going down. Even in the US illiteracy is on the rise among the boys. More girls are joining universities than boys.
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Bunny response Mar 20, 2020 04:34am
@Shahid What nonsense! Men have controlled the whole world throughout history. See the mess. women would have built health facilities for Cororna sufferers-instead of spending 20%+ on military--and being bankrupt!
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