Challenging Norms: “Aurat March Slogans” From Balochistan’s Women Perspective

Abstract

The contentious slogan "Mera Jism Meri Marzi" ("My Body, My Choice") from Pakistan's Aurat March is the main topic of this study, which investigates Baloch women's opinions about it. Since its inception in 2018, the Aurat March has grown into a prominent movement supporting social justice, gender equality, and women's rights. But because of its controversial chants, which   some believe go against Pakistani cultural and religious norms, it has also generated a lot of discussion. The study investigates how women from various socioeconomic levels in Balochistan perceive the march and its slogans through qualitative interviews. The results show a variety of viewpoints: Some question the march's conformity to Western ideas and possible conflict with Islamic and cultural norms, while many see it as an essential forum for bringing attention to women's issues. Particularly, the motto "Mera Jism Meri Marzi" has generated a great deal of controversy; proponents see it as a cry for bodily autonomy, while detractors contend it encourages immorality and goes against conventional wisdom. The study also emphasizes how media portrayals affect public opinion, with some media outlets focusing on issues while others show the march favorably as a progressive force. The study comes to the conclusion that although the Aurat March has helped to increase awareness and challenge patriarchal norms, the intricate interplay of cultural, religious, and societal factors affects how effective it is at promoting change. According to the study, feminist movement in Pakistan has to take a more nuanced strategy that promotes progressive change while taking local sensitivities into account.