The expected arc of a woman’s life in Pakistan is living in her parents’ home and then that of her husband. But more women are striking out alone, seeking independence.
Pakistani women challenging toxic masculinity are being vilified.
By
March 16, 2021
Pakistani women rally on the International Women’s Day in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, March 8, 2019.
Credit: AP Photo/Muhammad Rizwan
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On March 8, dozens of Pakistani women in all major cities took to the streets to highlight discrimination, inequality, violence, abuse, and injustices against them and other marginalized communities in the country. Despite threats and right-wing attacks on the Aurat March last year, the demonstrators were resilient and undeterred in putting forward their demands, which emphasized prioritizing healthcare for women during the pandemic and ensuring protection against patriarchal violence among others. But as is all-too-typical for Pakistan, the women’s day demonstration on the only day when women voice their concerns in large numbers was met by resistance and a smear campaign.