"people have attributed all sorts of stupid meaning to it.”
Zhalay Sarhadi stated that ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ was misinterpreted during the 2018 Aurat March.
The slogan was used by protestors because they wanted to make a point that they should not be touched without permission.
But it was misinterpreted by the wider audience and many believed that the slogan meant that women were allowed to wear whatever they wanted.
Zhalay has now rectified the misunderstanding and educated individuals as to what the slogan truly means.
The actress and model stated: “It has nothing to with clothing, it has to do with how you cannot do anything to my body without my consent.”
Zhalay Sarhadi also admitted that ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ should be highlighted correctly to convey the true essence of the slogan.
She continued: “There is nothing wrong with ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’, but people have attributed all sorts of stupid meaning to it.”
In 2021, Mahira Khan also shared her opinion about the slogan in the lead-up to International Women’s Day.
She had made an appearance on the entertaining talk show Hello! Mira Sethi and spoke to host Mira, about how the slogan had been misunderstood, and why she felt it was important for her to join the march.
Mahira explained: “It’s important for me to march every year because my voice has weight.
“When I go to the Aurat March, I make a point to tell everyone that this is what I believe in.”
“It does not benefit me, but it is important for the women here so I will represent them.
“Nobody will go and ask them to explain their slogan and chants, but the media comes to me, so I want to utilise my two minutes to explain and educate on behalf of those women.
“When I say ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’, I don’t mean I want to strip my clothes off and run around naked.
“I mean to say that I am a human and this is my body, so it is up to me whether I allow you to stare at it or touch it or not.
“It means that I can report you if you don’t comply. It means that I can take action against you if you harass me because you have no right over MY body.”
Aurat March takes place every year in line with International Women’s Day. The march takes place for women to raise their voices against harassment, regardless of whether it is at home or in their place of work.
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