After showing full support and being actively spotted at the recently held Aurat March 2020, this is what actor/director Adnan Malik has to say about the slogan ”Mera Jism, Meri Marzi”:-
I understand how “mera jism, mere marzi” (my body, my choice) can be triggering to some people. I read it first as a way women could protect their bodies from unwarranted physical advances and secondly about how they need to take ownership of their bodies and set a boundary. How their bodies belong to them and not the moral policing/sexualisation of the male gaze.
I never saw it solely as a justification for “Westernisation” or wearing revealing clothes as so many men in this country do. But yes, the slogan is inclusive of that also. It’s setting a boundary for men who want to have control over women’s choices. Last night someone pointed out that “mera wajood, mere marzi” may have been a better slogan.
Perhaps, but the main issue here isn’t the slogan so to speak, hut how we CHOOSE TO INTERPRET it. Most men are triggered because they look at women’s bodies through the lens of “Madonna or whore”, either the female body is sexualised or its so sacred that sexualising it is a sin. This is the dichotomy that most men are oscillating between- guilt or shame.
While actually its really none of our business as men. Give women their bodies back and let us as men, reflect on our own issues and shortcomings so that there can be greater balance and harmony in society. We are the problem- not women and their choices.
What is your take on this? Share your opinion in the comments section below.
Sania Iftikhar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
