March 8 saw the world celebrating International Women’s Day, themed “For ALL Women and Girls: Accelerate Progress. Rights. Equality.” While various discussions revolved around equality and progress, in Balochistan, Pakistan, the narrative took a different turn. Women, predominantly mothers and their children, took to the streets of Mastung, 50 kilometres from Quetta, protesting under harsh conditions on a day of fasting, voicing urgent demands for their vanished loved ones.
The women of Balochistan weren’t focused on commemorating the day, as many elsewhere did. Instead, their protests reflected a dire reality – their families were distressed, searching for those who were taken by security forces without explanation. Abu Bakar, a 62-year-old protestor, emphasised, “We are mothers and we simply want our children back.” Their desperate call for justice echoed through the streets, highlighting the stark contrast between the festive observance of Women’s Day elsewhere and the grave struggles these women face daily.
As they marched, the atmosphere was charged with both sorrow and resilience. The women, showcasing immense courage under intense societal pressures, aren’t just fighting for gender equality; their primary battle is for survival and the right to know about their missing loved ones. Their struggle is a poignant reminder that before broader gender rights can be achieved, foundational social justice for basic needs must first be fought for and secured.
On International Women’s Day, while the global theme was equality, women in Balochistan prioritised the urgent need for justice for missing loved ones. A protest in Mastung highlighted their struggle for survival rather than celebration, underscoring the dire situation they face against forced disappearances.
The protests in Balochistan on International Women’s Day reveal a pressing reality for women who are grappling with severe societal issues. Not focused on celebrations, these women are fighting for the safe return of their loved ones, illustrating the importance of addressing urgent human rights violations. Only when these basic freedoms are established can a meaningful move towards gender equality begin in the region.
Original Source: thediplomat.com
