In conversation with the organisers of the Aurat March, Lahore

ProperGaanda had the chance to speak with Leena Ghani and Purniya Awan, two of the organisers of Aurat March 2018 in Lahore.

This is a question that a lot of us are thinking: what motivated you to organise the Aurat March?

“I don’t know why it took me so long to organize it, I think we as women minimize our own experiences because that’s what society expects from us. I can’t say there was a specific point at which I said let’s do this, I was really inspired by the “Hum Aurtain” March in Karachi last year but Zainab’s murder really pushed me to speak up and do something.”

Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves, Leena and Purniya, in light of your involvement with the Aurat March? And anyone else who has helped?

“We are a group of women (anyone who identifies as such) who came together organically. Last year there was a March organized in Karachi for the International Women’s Day so we thought why not try in Lahore this year. There are so many helping plan and organize this that we alone can’t take credit. We are a sisterhood that lifts each other up and that’s the message we want to send out to the world too.”

The mobilisation of the women of Lahore, en masse, is something we haven’t seen in a while. How powerful do you think this image will be for the younger generation; seeing women from all strata of society walking shoulder to shoulder demonstrating their sheer strength?

“Only time will tell, but we are hoping enough of us come out and say ENOUGH. We are all equal and that should translate to equality in front of the law, in society and rights. We want the younger generation to be a part of this March. This is FOR them and it should be BY them as well. We want a world where there is no discrimination, no barriers, no oppression, where we are all seen as equals and where your gender, race, religion, class and sexual orientation are not a reason for your marginalization but appreciated and help you thrive.” https://www.facebook.com/l.ghani/videos/10155127529991987/

It’s impossible to talk about women empowerment without mentioning the #MeToo campaign that went viral last year. Will 2018 be the year that women take centre stage?

“Women have been on the frontlines, have been front and centre of many movements and have pushed for progress. It’s just that their contributions have either been dismissed or never acknowledged. #MeToo is a time of reckoning where women are speaking up (as per usual) but are finally being heard and are seeing those responsible being held accountable for the years of abuse, harassment and silencing.”

The internet and social media are still a foreign concept to many Pakistanis due to lack of proper infrastructure. Thus the campaigns that run on such platforms usually go unnoticed by many. Do you think movements like Aurat march will solve that? Will it actually engage women from all backgrounds?

“We are engaging with women from all backgrounds, given this is our first time coming together as a group and organizing something on such a large scale we understand that our outreach may be limited. Some of us are experienced in building something from the ground up, some have been part of movement building, but for many this is the first time. Hence we are giving ourselves the time and space to learn and its ok if we don’t get everything right. The point is to get people out on the streets and start a conversation (even though the issues are centuries old). We’ve been going to schools, colleges, events organized by others to spread the word. Each of us has been reaching out to domestic workers, factory workers, labour unions, women who work at home etc and have tried to involve as many as we can from the informal sector. We understand that representation matters whether it be ethnic, class, religious or gender diversity. We believe in an intersectional approach. Hopefully that will come across in our social media content and video and also on the day itself.” https://www.facebook.com/l.ghani/videos/10155127607341987/

What’s next after Aurat March?

“Let’s get this done first, but of course we’re not going anywhere, neither are the issues we face. So we hope to keep the momentum and conversation going.” In our society, which area or field do you think women suffer the most in?

“ Reproductive rights:

Women don’t have control over their bodies and sexual health, many women die in childbirth, many die because of the lack of postnatal care. There is limited access to affordable reproductive health services. We have a high maternal mortality rate as well as infant mortality rate. And this isn’t just because of poor healthcare but also social inequity. It’s mostly women in rural or poorer areas that end up dying during or just after childbirth. Many mothers are under the age of 18.

Labour rights:

We not only do not pay a living wage to workers but often do not even pay minimum wage. The informal sector accounts for more than 70% of employment. There is no job security or protection. Many work in unsafe environments. Many work more than one job. And even though there are child labour laws they aren’t enforced. Many families are living in conditions of enslavement and forced labour (bonded labour). Women’s contributions to the care economy are not recognized as labour nor are accounted for in progress indicators like the flawed GDP. https://www.facebook.com/l.ghani/videos/10155120523296987/

End to violence:

While in Pakistan no one is immune to violence, violence against women and other gender minorities especially the transgender community whether by patriarchal forces or state-backed is very prevalent. 70% of women in Pakistan experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes according to the data collected by the Madadgaar National Helpline (1098).

Environmental justice:

Women and other marginalised communities are often the ones most vulnerable to environmental and ecological degradation and impacts of climate change (global warming). The climate crisis exacerbates the impacts and vulnerabilities experienced through other social injustices. Seventy per cent of the 1.3 billion people in the developing world living below the threshold of poverty are women. It is important that the consequences of climate change should not lead already marginalised sections of communities into further deprivation.”

Why, in your opinion, should women participate in the Aurat March?

“Because this is about them, but not only women (those who identify as such) but people of all genders, especially men who are allies. We can’t really move to a world with equality and equity if we all don’t work together. We need to dismantle patriarchy and toxic masculinity which hurts not just women and other gender minorities but also men. And we need to change the culture where women are seen as minorities rather than equal participating, contributing citizens.” https://www.facebook.com/l.ghani/videos/10155127523316987/

Reclaiming public spaces is a vital issue for Women. It is extremely important for women to feel safe outside their homes, without the presence of a ‘male chaperon’. Do you see that cultural change taking place? And how do you relate it to the role played by our legislative and law-enforcement bodies?

“Many feminists have been challenging this perception that women are not present in public spaces (maybe women of a certain economic strata aren’t). Look around women are everywhere, when they go out to do chores, collect their children from schools, go to work. Women work in rural areas, in agriculture, the informal sector and as domestic workers. Women may not be safe but women are out and about doing what needs to get done. But of course, safety and security needs to be enshrined in the law and implemented by law- enforcement bodies. This also requires a mindshift and cultural change away from patriarchal values and gender stereotypes.”

One important milestone you wish Women achieve in Pakistan in the next 5 years?

“To have rights over their own bodies, lives and economic circumstances. More girls in schools and more recognition of contribution to society by women.”