EVERY year on March 8 we observe International Women’s Day. Pakistan being an Islamic republic does not need an Aurat March as Islam clearly defined rights and status of women 1,400 years ago.

Now there is only the need to implement them in letter and spirit. Amidst several placards, there were none asking for equal access to education and health facilities for women or against dowry, expensive weddings (as there is no such concept of baraat in Islam) etc.

The government and public need to understand that their daughter is not a burden. She is a gift from God.

Finding one’s socks or warming up dinner are choices that can be managed by mutual consent.

The media objectifies women as decoration pieces and women did the same by being provocative and dancing at Aurat March.

Is this the right way to get our rights?

There is a dire need for talking and marching for women’s right but it should be in the right direction.

Fozia Altaf Cheema
Gujranwala

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2019