Under the banner of Aurat March, women on Tuesday marched across the country, in connection with International Women’s Day, to raise their voice for equal rights, an end to systemic discrimination and end pay disparity.
The first Aurat March in Pakistan was held on March 8, 2018, in Karachi, with an aim to ensure equal rights. The next year, it was extended to more cities – including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Larkana, and Hyderabad. This year’s event will be the fifth march since its inception.
The march has three main chapters in the cities of Multan, Lahore and Karachi. In separate tweets, they shared the update and their demands.
"We have tried to make the venue as accessible as possible for wheelchairs by installing ramps and laying out carpets for maximum mobility. There will be sign language interpreters on stage. You will be given priority access near the stage if you prefer," the Karachi chapter said in a tweet.
Over the years, some politicians and a few religious leaders have criticised the protest for the banners being brought in the site, a criticism which the administration has shrugged off. Moreover, a smear campaign against the Aurat March had also been run last year.
The organisers have also urged the participants to follow the SOPs amid the coronavirus pandemic.