Story and Photos by: Areej Altaf
The seventh Aurat March or Aurat Ehtijaji Mela 2024 lit up Karachi’s iconic Frere Hall with vibrant yellows, oranges, and pinks, alongside powerful chants, drawing a diverse crowd of women, men, and minority community representatives. Timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, the Aurat March annually unfolds not just as a protest but as a jubilant festival celebrating women—their lives, their struggles, and their victories.
This year, the organizers of the march opted for a new approach. Instead of speeches, there were sessions held. The venue was divided into three tents. The main stage focused on discussions about minority rights. The Churail tent focused on women’s economic rights related to hunger and food security. While the Behn Chara tent focused on the impacts of transphobia and cissexism in everyday life.
The Aurat March is often misunderstood as importing alien concepts; however, it aims to challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices. As the participants marched from Frere Hall to Teen Talwar, their chants reflected their commitment to continue fighting for equality and justice.
–Rights for Home-Based Workers: A group of women marching to advocate for the rights of home-based workers, urging the Sindh government to implement the ‘Sindh Home-Based Workers Act 2018’ immediately, and establish social security, health, and EOBI benefits for these workers.
–Farzana stands on the right, selling snacks from her shared ‘thela’ (cart) alongside a ‘paan wala’ (betel leaf seller). Her son, Furqan, dressed in a white shalwar kameez (traditional outfit), assists her in serving the customers, while her daughter, Neelam, applies mehndi (henna) to one of her clients.
-A joyful duo sharing the energy of the day, drumming up the spirit of the Aurat March
-A headless, ragged mannequin symbolizing ‘Pidar Shah’ (patriarchy), being taken to Teen Talwar from Frere Hall, where the protestors will march to, and burn the mannequin to mark the day’s culmination. ‘Burning the symbolic ‘putla’ (mannequin) of patriarchy is an emotional, rage-filled, and cathartic moment for us,’ says one of the protestors.
-Protestors leaving Frere Hall to march to Teen Talwar for the last step, chanting the slogans at the top of their lungs, with their placards raised.