Mera Jism Meri Marzi & Feminism in Pakistan: Debate Explained
In recent years, few slogans have sparked as much debate in Pakistan as “Mera Jism Meri Marzi”. Chanted during women’s marches and amplified across social media, the phrase has become both a rallying cry and a point of deep controversy. In this context, Aam Olas examined the broader discussion surrounding feminism in Pakistan, its historical roots, religious interpretations, and the social divisions it has exposed.
The debate is not simply about a slogan; it reflects conflicting worldviews, cultural values, and understandings of women’s rights.
Understanding Feminism: Origins and Purpose
Feminism is a social and political movement that advocates for equal political, economic, and social rights for women. The term first emerged in Europe and later gained momentum in the 19th-century United States, where women struggled against discrimination that denied them voting rights, employment opportunities, and protection from violence.
Historically, these demands were rooted in justice. Women sought the right to vote, to work, and to live free from physical and sexual abuse, rights that many societies had long withheld.
From this perspective, feminism began as a movement for basic human dignity.
Islam and Women’s Rights: A Historical Perspective
From an Islamic viewpoint, women’s rights were formally recognized long before modern feminist movements emerged. Islam granted women legal identity, inheritance rights, and social status at a time when daughters were buried alive and treated as property in many societies.
Islam elevated women as daughters, mothers, and wives, and emphasized compassion and responsibility toward them. In his final sermon, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) urged believers to treat women with kindness, describing them as partners and trusted companions.
Because of this foundation, many argue that Islam itself represents a complete and balanced framework for women’s rights, one that supports dignity and equality while rejecting vulgarity or moral excess.
The Three Waves of Feminism
First-Wave Feminism
Focused on legal rights, particularly property ownership and voting. This wave culminated in women gaining suffrage in several Western countries, including the United States in 1919.
Second-Wave Feminism
Emerging in the 1960s–1980s, this phase addressed workplace equality, gender discrimination, and social roles. Writers like Betty Friedan challenged the idea that women could only find fulfillment through domestic life.
Third-Wave Feminism
Beginning in the 1990s, the third wave emphasized individuality, intersectionality, and personal choice. It highlighted how gender intersects with class, race, religion, and culture, an approach that later influenced feminist movements worldwide, including Pakistan.
Mera Jism Meri Marzi: The Pakistani Context
In Pakistan, third-wave feminism became visible through the slogan Mera Jism Meri Marzi, particularly during the Aurat March starting in 2019.
Supporters argue that the slogan represents opposition to:
- Rape and sexual harassment
- Child marriage
- Domestic and physical abuse
- Lack of healthcare
- Human trafficking and bonded labor
On these issues, many Pakistanis, men and women alike, find common ground.
However, controversy arises from interpretations of the slogan. Critics believe it is sometimes used or portrayed in ways that conflict with cultural and religious values, shifting the movement away from its core purpose. This has led even some women to distance themselves from the campaign, arguing that it no longer reflects their beliefs.
Media Controversy and Public Polarization
The debate intensified after a televised discussion involving Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, journalist Marvi Sirmed, and a religious scholar. The exchange escalated after the phrase “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” was mentioned, leading to heated remarks that went viral online.
Following this incident, social media split into two opposing trends:
These hashtags symbolized a nation divided—not only on feminism, but on how women’s rights should be defined and defended in Pakistan.
One Slogan, Many Meanings
At the heart of the controversy lies a critical question:
Is Mera Jism Meri Marzi a single, unified demand—or does it represent multiple, sometimes conflicting interpretations?
For some, it is a call for safety, consent, and dignity.
For others, it appears vague, provocative, or detached from cultural realities.
This diversity of views has created confusion, misunderstanding, and emotional reactions on all sides.
Final Reflection
Feminism, in its original sense, was never meant to divide societies—it aimed to correct injustice. In Pakistan, the challenge lies in reconciling women’s rights with cultural, religious, and social values without dismissing genuine concerns or fueling polarization.
A healthy society requires dialogue, not slogans shouted past one another. Understanding intentions, clarifying demands, and respecting differences may offer a path forward—one where justice, dignity, and social harmony coexist.
The question remains open for every citizen to reflect upon:
Is the debate about women’s rights, or about how those rights are expressed?