AURAT MARCH: PERSPECTIVES, PROSPECTS AND PROPOSALS CASE STUDY OF BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

In public debate there is controversy regarding Women’s rights and “Aurat March” in Pakistan. This article endeavor was directed to find out different perspectives, prospects and proposals about Aurat March. Prime objectives of the article were to find out the opinion of university female students about Aurat March, to explore the impacts of Aurat March on the ordinary women of Balochistan and to analyze the predictive outcomes of Aurat March. Mixed method was used to explore different opinions about Aurat March. Key informants were interviewed, 150 female students from five largest universities of Balochistan were selected and data was collected through questionnaire, further personal observation was used as a tool for data collection. It was found that variety of reasons have brought decline in the negative thinking of women in Balochistan about Aurat March and Women’s rights including legal, social, educational aspects and social media as well. But there is a gap present in the thoughts of female university student and the active members of Aurat March about Aurat March, Women’s rights and women related issues. The study suggests the masses in general and educated segment of society in particular to understand and support Aurat March and women’s rights as well as Women’s Organizations and engage in respectful dialogues with women’s rights activists being their allies. The study also suggest government to ensure safety and security at Aurat Marches, to implement legislation for women’s rights, to promote women’s education and economic empowerment, to encourage gender equality in the workplace and to address cultural norms and practices that perpetuate gender inequality in the society.