#MeraJismMeriMarzi is a powerful slogan- Bodies, especially female bodies, are contested spaces throughout history and wars have been fought over the same. Always used as a prop in power relationships of states, corporations and individuals. pic.twitter.com/AGdNLP4s45
— Arshad Sharif (@arsched) March 5, 2020
It comes as no surpise that the word jism in our society is packed with negative connotations and embedded with vulgar undertones, which makes the message of Mera jism meri marzi seem overtly sexualised, when in reality, it is anything but.
Clearly, we need to do all the emotional labour around here so let us break it down for you. Mera jism, meri marzi literally means that womxn want bodily autonomy and have the right to make decisions concerning their bodies.
Aurat March’s Instagram account put it beautifully when they said, “it means an enforcement of a human right every individual is born with, but women, trans, and non-binary person are robbed of.
