The first time I covered the Aurat March back in 2020, Karachi saw hundreds of people gathered at Frere Hall with a renewed sense of urgency, reclaiming their right to a public space that opens its arms to women, minority groups and non-binary folks every year. The venue echoed with chants of “Hum Lekay Rahengay Azadi,” (we will take our freedom, come what may) as hands waved in the air to the echoes of ‘Laal Meri’.
The saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” gained new meaning as attendees raised placards bearing words that could make any man either furious or downright ashamed (depending on the person reading). For many, the Aurat March has almost served as an institution, welcoming anyone willing to learn about women’s rights and unlearn the patriarchal ways of our society. But there’s been a major shift in attitudes towards the march since its first iteration in 2018. And that shift was difficult to ignore at the Aurat March in Karachi on Friday.
Aurat March Karachi returned to Frere Hall this year after hosting two consecutive protests at the Bagh-e-Jinnah. The crowd began gathering around 3pm and soon, Sheema Kermani was joined by a host of other women in a graceful dance of liberation. But somehow, the fervour surrounding them wasn’t the same. Chants of “azaadi” weren’t heard as frequently in the venue, nor were many stirring placards held aloft.