Mera jism meri marzi has found new life thanks to Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar

Women in Pakistan have triggered misogynists simply by reclaiming their rightful public space and autonomy over their own persons. One triggered man who does not seem to realize how dangerously demented his opinions are is the writer Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar, Last night Mr. Rehman went on television to talk about the upcoming Aurat March which will happen on the 8th of March, 2020 in cities around Pakistan. He was on a panel with journalist Marvi Sirmed and a religious cleric and that’s when things took a weird turn.

 

Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar went on an abusive rant against Marvi Sirmed calling her vile things and making disgusting comments about her on national TV

All because Marvi taunted him with the phrase ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi‘, which according to Khalil Ur Rehman was unconscionable and against his morality. Of course, he said this all the while using abusive language on national television, so yes, irony indeed is dead.

 

After Khalil Ur Rehman’s embarrassing meltdown on national TV, Pakistani women are reminding him why they won’t stop using the term ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’

It’s not like women aren’t used to the kind of abuse he unleashed on national television. This is the kind of abuse some of us see every day.

But the chant ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi‘ is important because of the vast injustices women in Pakistan and all around the world have to face at the hands of the patriarchy against their very own bodies. The message behind the slogan is important. Like a man, it is a woman’s right to choose whatever happens with her body. Whether she chooses to follow a certain religion or whether she chooses to walk around proudly without any clothes, it is her right to do as she wants and nobody else has a right to prevent her from exercising her choice.

 

So many women are chanting the phrase ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ to remind everyone just why this term is so important

 

We need to teach EVERY one that they have complete autonomy over their bodies and this is exactly what Mera Jism Meri Marzi means

Men, women and even kids need to learn this important lesson about boundaries and consent. Just like we teach kids not to let strangers touch them or let even those they know well touch them inappropriately, women have a right to claim their own bodies and not be forced to do things that someone else wants them to.

https://twitter.com/sabahbanomalik/status/1235116796807499778?s=20

Aur agar meri marzi nahi tou phir kis ki?

It’s incredibly sad to see people twist a simple chant which calls for women having autonomy over their own bodies into something so wrong. It’s 2020, please do your research before jumping on a hateful bandwagon just because someone says something you disagree with.

 

After “Khana Khud Garam Karlo,” This Poster From The Aurat March Is Causing A Massive Meltdown

41 Of The Most Powerful Posters From Aurat March That You Absolutely HAVE To See

 

Cover image source: dawn.com /@rameezay via Twitter