LAHORE (Azaad English): The Aurat March 2025 with the theme “Feminist History” was held on Wednesday in Lahore which started from Lahore Press Club to Faletti’s Hotel, along Egerton Road.
The annual socio-political demonstration aims to address significant societal problems like gender inequality, violence against women and minorities, sexual harassment in workplaces, transgender rights, and climate-related socio-economic impacts on marginalised communities.
In a break from its tradition, Aurat March announced earlier today the different schedules for Aurat March in different cities.
“Since 2018, we have each marched on or around International Women’s Day. This year the marches in Lahore, Multan, Karachi, and — for the first time — Mirpur Khas will take place with the same passion but on newer dates. Lahore will set the stage on 12 February, on account of the National Women’s Day, followed by Multan on 23 February. Meanwhile, 11 May will see Karachi and Mirpur Khas reclaiming Mother’s Day,” stated the instagram post by Aurat March.
Have a look at the pictures:
Images by journalist Adeeb Yousufzai
Each year, the Aurat March officially releases a charter of demands while the Aurat March 2025 disclosed fourteen charter of demands.
Charter of Demands
Demand 1: Ending the erasure of women, religious, ethnic, gender minorities, and political dissidents from public life.
Demand 2: Effective implementation of existing laws made for the protection of women
Demand 3: Establishment of independent sexual harassment inquiry committees in workplaces.
Demand 4: Abolishment of forced conversions and forced marriages through effective legislation.
Demand 5: Revision of outdated family laws for religious minorities through consultation with the communities.
Demand 6: Protection of Transgender rights.
Demand 7: Protection of right to education for girls, especially across conflict-affected regions.
Demand 8: Abolishment of enforced disappearances.
Demand 9: Decriminalise defamation including repealing the Punjab Defamation Act, 2024.
Demand 10: Ensure freedom of expression, especially in online spaces across the country.
Demand 11: Abolishment of moral policing and surveillance of campuses and restoration of student unions.
Demand 12: Ensure clean air and effectively tackle smog in the country.
Demand 13: Recognition of climate-related displacement and migration as public emergency. End large-scale projects that threaten the natural ecosystem.
Demand 14: End IMF-related austerity measures that negatively impact welfare institutions and public services.
