MEN’S ENGAGEMENT WITH FEMINIST MOVEMENT: AURAT MARCH AND GENDER JUSTICE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This article aims to explore and analyze men's engagement with feminist struggles in Pakistan, especially in Aurat March since 2018. Based on participant observations and semi-structured interviews conducted with men/boys who have participated in Aurat March, this article attempted to understand men’s participation in social movements like Aurat March. It is reflected in the study that men who have been engaged with feminism and feminist struggles in Pakistan can not only relate to feminism or gender justice but also problematized issues like patriarchy and violence against women. For these men, such movements aiming for gender justice are not only women-centric rather are beneficial for the whole society. According to the respondents the Aurat March, as a gender transformative movement, has the potential to bring diverse groups together for the cause of women and gender rights. Men who have been actively participating in Aurat March have conceptualized feminism, problematized patriarchy, identified challenges faced by women, and necessitated more men to ally with such movements. This study also reflected a significant aspect that not all men are the same or relate to hegemonic forms of masculinity; rather some men resist those gender-oppressive ideologies and structures that are detrimental to the progress of society. Keywords: Feminisms, Aurat March (AM), Men and Masculinity, Gender Justice, patriarchy