On Mach 8, women in Pakistan joined those around the world rallying for their rights and to raise their voice for the marginalized and oppressed.
They marched against discrimination, harassment and biases that are embedded in the country’s social and political systems. Many think that Aurat March is doing an “exceptional job” at creating a voice for the oppressed women, but for actor Veena Malik it’s “focusing on issues that aren’t helping women out at all.”
During an interview with a local publication, the Big Boss participant, said, “Women participating in Aurat March are dramatic and non-serious.”
“There are a lot of issues women face and those are serious issues. But what I feel is that Aurat March is not working on issues that are important but are focusing on issues that aren't helping women out at all. They will probably only attract controversy. They are not serious.
“There are some serious women issues. So many women face severe health problems during pregnancy, childbirth. They should speak about pay parity and rally for equal pay. There are so many other topics where they should speak out for women's rights and play their role,” she added.
Malik also said that women were capable of bringing about constitutional changes. “But you know what? When you are not serious, you go out on the streets and scream from the outside. When you are serious, you go, get into the systems and change the laws which could help people. Those who only make noise, rarely get anything done,” said the actor.
What Malik overlooked was that Aurat March focuses on the exact same issues she highlighted.
Women in major cities across Pakistan took part in the International Women's Day march which focused on a different demand from their manifesto. In Karachi, the demand was for wage parity, security and peace for women. In Lahore, the primary theme was to reimagine justice. In Multan, the participants focused on reimagining the education system while in the capital Islamabad the demand was for justice, freedom and security of women.
This is not the first time Malik has spoken out against the Aurat March. Last year she tweeted that the March “brought humiliation to women of Pakistan instead of empowering them.”
Twitterati were quick to bash the actor over her views.