As the nation stands divided on whether Aurat March is helping or hindering the cause of women in Pakistan, we reached out to 5 prominent women in our entertainment industry to find out what they think.
There has been constant retribution and opposition towards the march, without much insight into the cause. At the end of the day, each is entitled to their own opinion as long as it’s with careful consideration. Why did we reach out to these specific women? These women have been integral in furthering the entertainment industry in several capacities. They have been exemplary in their works, contributions and are sources of inspiration to our nation. These are strong, empowered, educated women who are in top leagues of what they do.
Thus their opinions and thoughts matter to us and we wanted to bring them to all of you too. We spoke to Hadiqa Kiani, Mehreen Jabbar, Bee Gul, Mira Sethi and Sadia Jabbar.
1. Mira Sethi
Mira is an accomplished writer and actor. She has worked as a book editor at The Wall Street Journal, written pieces for The New York Times and The Guardian too. She has appeared in hits such as Paristan, Chupke Chupke, Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara and Silvatein to name a few.
Mira shared her opinions categorically listing them by order.
First, the Pakistani constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly – which is what Aurat March accomplishes every year. Second, its one day in the year when women come together: it’s a moment of solidarity and protest and joy and creativity. Third, the manifesto this year specially highlights the demands of working-class women.”
Mira Sethi
She said she could go on about this topic she feels so passionately about and ended by saying: “In short, the March is empowering, socially and politically and I hope to see lots of women there.”
2. Sadia Jabbar Qasim
Sadia Jabbar is a new age Pakistani television and film producer; she founded her own production house: Sadia Jabbar Production in 2014. She has produced several dramas for private TV channels in Pakistan.
“In Pakistan our state needs to make laws to protect women of all ages, their right of education, marriage, career, their safety in the house or outside either at workplace or on roads. I personally don’t want to follow the path of western women & I don’t feel myself associated with any rally or March which represents western culture or western women. We as Pakistani women of today’s age need to speak for ourselves.”
Sadia Jabbar Qasim
We hear you Sadia, we literally want the same. She further heeds, “Don’t give this power to anyone who might have hidden agendas or can destroy our culture. We need to evolve as a society, but we must not forget our traditions, culture ethics & moral values.”
3. Bee Gul
Bee Gul, an award-winning screenwriter and director known to be distinctively unconventional. She has written highly acclaimed plays and films such as Talkhiyaan, Pehchaa, Kaun Qamar Ara, Dar Si Jati Hai Sila and recently Raqeeb Se. She has also written some exceptional theatre scripts. Bee Gul has been awarded the Lux Style Award in 2019, for her contributions as TV writer for Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila, Best Drama Writer (2019) and in 2015 for Best Telefilm Writer (Kaun Qamar Ara), both at 2nd Hum Telefilm Awards. She put forward a gripping point about Aurat March.
“Interesting that some of the so-called enlightened men and women believe that Aurat March is aggressive, and the participants should be gentle and polite in putting their narrative across. Who would not want to be a joyful, gentle feminist! (We agree we just want to be joyful too but oh well) but please note that we are angry. We are very angry.”
Bee Gul
Rightfully so, Bee Gul, we have had enough. On the incident in Islamabad, “It was rather amusing to watch the frustrated, young Islamabad policeman scuffling with an Aurat march participant and shouting, don’t touch me!” We absolutely love her wit when she stated it’s good that the men have heard us right when we say don’t touch us.
4. Mehreen Jabbar
A big name in our industry indeed, Mehreen Jabbar is an American/Pakistani director and producer of super hit films and TV dramas that have attained significant commercial and critical success. She has 16 TV series, 2 feature films, 11 TV films and 2 web series under her name. Impressive as a word falls short to list her work. Hits like Dobara Phir Se, Mata E Jaan Hai Tu, Vasl, Daam to name a few. She spoke about the golden rule of listening more and reacting less.
“Aurat March is a right under the constitution of Pakistan and people have the right to peacefully protest. Regarding whether it helps or hinders I would say, like any protest or gathering it sheds light on the issues that affect women and marginalized communities, and we need to listen more and react less, name call and troll less and engage in meaningful discussions more.”
Mehreen Jabbar
We couldn’t agree more and are so inspired by how she so simply explained what doesn’t make sense to so many and that too with the utmost grace.
5. Hadiqa Kiani
Bohey Bariyan hit singer and starrer in Dobara and Raqeeb Se, a household name when it comes to Music, Acting, Activism or Philanthropy. Singer and Actor extraordinaire Hadiqa Qiani urges us like always to acknowledge our inner strength.
“If women feel the need of doing a march to achieve that, then they need not to ask or take permission from anyone. Women March should not intimidate anyone. It is to bring awareness in the society & addressing to the issues they’re facing for decades.”
Hadiqa Kiani
Well, these women of substance sure brought out well informed point of views and have given us all some food for thought. We know where we stand, we want to know about you all.
