The Aurat March manifesto reads like a political manifesto rather than one for rights of women. Let’s look at them one by one.
1. Calls for radical reform of justice system but nothing on how to achieve it. Also, strangely, shits on increased rep of women in police and judiciary. Aloosha Noor Leaked Video Tissue Girl Instagram Uncut Full
2. Survivor centric welfare centres are a good suggestion. However, “rejecting” austerity measures which are needed to stabilise the economy is ill advised and politically motivated demand.
3. Calls for abolishment of death penalty and castration. Fair point but this really should not be one of the key demands of Aurat March.
4. Demand for decriminalisation of defamation laws. This is a good point. Defamation laws can be problematic form POV of freedom is expression but must be replaced with more robust penalties.
5. Call for defending of safe city project. This is an imp project that can help everyone and in particular women feel more safe on the streets. Again, political motives supersede women rights.
6. Enforced disappearances. Fair enough. But this again is usually milked for political gains with little regard to the truth of any claims.
7. Universal basic income and care work for all residents. Wishy washy language. Ehsaas is already working on supporting those needs. AM could acknowledge this & advise what additional measures can be taken.
8. Dig at IMF. Politically motivated or lacking understanding of economic realities? No specific solutions outlined.
9. PTI govt accused of attacking Transgender Act. Not sure where that’s coming from. On fact, KPK govt has drafted legislation to create endowment fund for transgender persons.
10. Call for legislation to stop forced conversions. This is a good point and in red of attention.
11. Criticism of RRUDP and Lahore smog issue is fair. However, deteriorating air quality is not a Lahore specific issue but extends across many parts of the country.
In summary, AM manifesto looks like it was written by PDM. There’s barely any mention of women specific issues or specific call to action or solutions to address them. Honour killing, harassment, violence against women, domestic violence, forced marriages, education for women.
None of these imp issues are covered. Instead, focus seems to be on politically motivated messages & taking digs at govt.
AM needs to be a bi-partisan movement that puts women’s rights at the forefront. The manifesto proves that this is not what the organisers want AM to be.
