10 Things You Should Know Before Being Part Of The Aurat March 2019
1) Do you need a permit to exercise your voice?
You do not need any kind of permit to yell in the middle of the street, tbh. However, it shouldn’t be hate speech. Ensure your message is full of love and p o s i t i v i t y.
2) What do you do if you get stopped by the police?
Chances are that you won’t. I know we all have had our interesting experiences with the higher authorities. But don’t let that stop you from being a part of this March. We guarantee you will not be alone.
RELATED: These Women Are Inspiring Us To Travel The World
However, if you are still stopped by the police, stay calm and polite. In fact, take this moment as an opportunity to educate them about what is going on at the March and hand out leaflets if they have any more questions.
3) Can you be searched?
Absolutely not. And, if a situation arises, you have the right to say no! The police or any other authority cannot force you into being searched without your consent. Also, you can always ask for a female officer to do that job. Remember, “YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY NO!”
4) Do you have the right to record or take pictures?
Yes, you do. In fact, it can work as evidence if you do end up recording any harm that gets done to you.
5) You NEED to get all your fellow feminists to be a part of this March!
This March is not just for you. I’m sure everyone will have things to do. A job to be at, obligations that are to be fulfilled, so on and so forth. But Aurat March is something that happens only once a year. This is truly a golden chance to raise voice against far-reaching patriarchy. Get all of your friends with you as well to make an actual impact!
6) Make the sassiest signboards!
Yaad hai! Khaana Khud Garam Kar Lo! Well, don’t forget to come up with the sassiest signboard!
7) Prepare to sing along!
If you were part of the Aurat March last year, you know there will be lots of singing around and drums being passed around. Seize the moment and prepare to sing along!
8) Don’t ignore the trolls!
Online or in real life! Similar to last year, this will not be any different. Remember, you can always complain and report. Your sisters are with you, comrade!
9) If you can then get males to attend too!
I think if you can get any males to attend that would be great. This is a great chance for them to learn more about what women go through and how imperative it is for people to support any marginalized gender and community coming out not just on this day but any day!
10) Spread the word!
Lastly, don’t forget to spread the word to not just like-minded peers and friends. But ,also to anyone and everyone who should. This is not just a March for the right to be independent but also for the right to have economic justice for all! This is a struggle to build a society that is free of gender bias and discrimination of any sort! We all deserve economic justice and the right to voice those concerns.
The March will be held on the 8th of March 2019 at Frere Hall in Karachi and Press Club in Lahore.
Every woman, trans woman, nonbinary persons and men are invited to attend this March.
Let’s Reclaim What Is Rightfully Ours!
There are marches happening all over Pakistan, in Karachi, Lahore Peshawar, Hyderabad, Mardan and Quetta and Islamabad.
For more information, you can visit the following links:
Aurat March Islamabad: https://www.instagram.com/auratazadimarch/
Aurat March Lahore: https://www.instagram.com/auratmarchlahore/
Aurat March Karachi: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/398698050706085/
Aurat March Faisalabad: https://www.facebook.com/events/291825704844055/
Aurat March Quetta: https://www.facebook.com/events/2289171477990479/