Women’s marches: Do they make a difference?

Today, on the streets, around the globe, men and women will march together, shoulder to shoulder, in support of women rights.

But will it make a difference? Will it make the lives of women better?

There is not denying that women are to this day oppressed and gender equality remains an elusive dream. That is why, women’s rights activists say they come out on the street every year to remind women of the rights that are denied to them, and to remind men of what more they need to do.

True, but is this all that should be done? I would say that more is needed, which includes a concerted effort by all women and men to transform this into a global movement for gender equality.

No one gives up power voluntarily or without resistance. Thus, the struggle must be constant.

It will take time to change attitudes, and keeping that in mind, the effort has to be made in a way that does not disturb the rights of the children who deserve to have a peaceful home to live and grow in.

The effort should therefore be to present sound and logical arguments that can withstand the arguments by vested interests that aim to undermine the struggle for rights.

It is just as important for pro-women laws to be made and this will happen if the representation of women is increased in the parliament. While we do have special, reserved seats for women in Pakistan, the way they are filled up is not suited to any positive outcome, as the final list is made by a panel dominated by men.

Thus, I would argue that special representation for women in the assemblies should continue, till there is a marked decrease in discrimination and political parties start nominating female candidates for the general election, based on real merit.

There are many other issues that need to be addressed simultaneously, such as unequal pay for women and their uneven inheritance rights.

Women have the right to also choose what they want to wear or to remove. They should not be coerced into doing either of the two.

Let’s not forget that most of the rights that men enjoy stem from their economic independence. Such independence for women is necessary for them to be able to achieve their potential as human beings.

No movement for women’s rights will ever succeed if it does not succeed in creating an environment where women can thrive in the economic sphere as well.

Creating opportunities for women from the lower economic strata, who suffer the most, is a must to raise their status, both within their homes and in the society in general.

When the women marchers meet this year, the march should not just be a political outing where they meet, chant slogans, and disperse to meet again next year. Change can only be brought through sustained relentless campaigning. Women rights are not a threat to men’s rights.

Mohammad is doctor and a mental health first-aider working in the United Kingdom.