March 8th was International Women’s Day, and there were celebrations all over the world! In India, people had special events to mark the day. Prime Minister Modi even sent a message to all the women in India. In Pakistan, on the same day, there was a big march for women’s rights. The march was called “Mera Jism Meri Marzi,” which means “My Body, My Choice” in Urdu. Meanwhile, the YouTube channel named “Naila Pakistani Reaction” captured the reactions and views of Pakistani women regarding the march. Let’s explore the perspectives of Pakistani women in the video.
Situation of Women in Pakistan is Worsening
The reporter asked a woman, “As a participant in the Women’s March, what message will you give to the Pakistani government?” In response, the woman said, “The status of women worldwide has improved, but in Pakistan, the situation for women is deteriorating. Instead of sending girls to school here, they are married off at a young age.”
Child Marriage Happens a lot in Pakistan
The reporter, participating in the Women’s March, asked another woman, “In our neighboring country India, International Women’s Day is also being celebrated. The legal age for marriage there has been set at 22 years. Unlike us, their women don’t march on the streets.” In response, the woman stated that we cannot compare ourselves to India. The population there is much larger than ours (Women in Pakistan). The media there is tightly controlled. In our country, child marriage is very common. Although laws have been enacted, they are not effectively implemented.
Women in Pakistan demand equal rights
The reporter asked another woman, “What is the purpose of the playing card you are showing?” The woman replied, “It means that wherever decisions are made, women should be included. Just as men have the right to make decisions in places like Parliament and courts, women should have equal rights to participate in decision-making.”
