Redefining radical feminism and patriarchy in Pakistan society

Watch out they are out making head-on collisions and they are angry and some of them have nefarious plans (some of them). The extremists, the headless figures, the one who shouts but not speak and those who speak but gibberish.

When I write extremism what comes to mind? A male? With headcover and a long beard with Kalashnikov or a firm fist? Probably all of them. But have we not normalized the image of an extremist? Can a liberal be extremist? To understand this let us redefine extremism.

The simple plain language definition of extremism is “the one who is willing to go any length and engage in a lengthy, costly war to prove its point or agenda. Pretty simple and plain. Now I want you to look around, see and fit the use the definition as a yardstick to measure who is not extremist? From religious figures and patriarchs to liberals and “moderate”. The power grab statements and rush to make the opposition look bad is what we are seeing these days.

The real point is “Aurat March”, which is the right of women to assemble and protest, show solidarity and demand their rights that are fundamental and are provided by religion and protected by the constitution. It is their annual procession on a designated day. There is no doubt that Pakistan has lagged significantly in terms of gender equality, and equal opportunity for women. Gender Gap index report of 2019 is evidence of that. Pakistan has fared worst, securing 151st position out of 154 countries. The gender pay ratio is even worst, but the only area where it has significantly improved is political empowerment. Everyday disturbing NEWS of Rape, workplace harassment and women exploitation are reported and many are suppressed.

Their demands for better future equal job opportunities and share of inheritance are equally important and valid as the demands of any other oppressed groups of society.

But what has unfolded in the past 10 days in terms of talk show spats and language that is being used by both sides to malign each other on media is the worst example of extremism. On one side are the rigid patriarchs and on the other side are the radical feminists whose slogans are making the headlines. Even though they have legit demands which are needed to be fulfilled but what missing is the agenda, the aurat march organizers have come up with slogans that are outrageous for most of the sections of the society and are not normally considered as part of our culture. Like as you can not fit a single size for all in the same way foreign agendas that are more damaging and have more adverse consequences for society can not work at all for a closed society like Pakistan.

The missing agenda has not only damaged the real purpose of the march but it has also produced a bitter feeling in an already fragile society of. The leaders and organizers of the march are not only notorious for their radical thoughts but for their anti-state and anti-Islam statements are on record.

For this movement to be successful and to be the main face of the women rights it needs to be inclusive rather being sexist in their approach where most of its organizers have demands that are already dying or disgusted by most members of the society. They need to stop demonizing Islam and rather consolidate the rights already given to them by Islam. Radical slogans and vulgar statements are going to play in the hands of opposers. Whatever they are demanding must be within the limits of decency. Their efforts must not divide but consolidate the society and that is not going to happen until foreign back agendas and slogans are dropped or changed. Their statements must not normalize the more radical demands like Abortion rights and gay and LGBTQ movements. They need to rethink and recalibrate.

On the other hand, right extremism and religious factions must also understand that the real demands are not what is shown on media but the social indifference toward women rights. Instead of resisting with force they need to understand that the picture is real and there is no running from it. Their efforts for an inclusive society is needed more than ever. As the world is entering in the 21st century, one can not stick to the old customs, with diversity comes prosperity. If women are allowed to work and get the education they will contribute a lot toward the economy and social fabric.