Women lead protests in South Asia amid gendered backlash

In recent months, a series of protests across South Asia have emerged, prominently featuring women as main leaders and organizers. Activists have observed a significant increase in the participation of women in protests, shifting from supporting roles to becoming primary actors. This shift has been particularly noted in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, where female protesters have played key roles in various movements. For instance, following the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor in West Bengal, women took to the streets en masse to reclaim their space in the night, signaling a growing awareness of women's rights and safety in public spaces. The protests have not been without backlash, with women facing unique threats, particularly related to sexual violence. Heather Barr, associate director of Human Rights Watch’s women’s rights division, articulated that the implicit threat of sexual violence is used as an intimidation tactic against women, more so than against men. Women who have taken to the streets cite fear of repercussions, intimidation against their families, and heightened risks of violence they face simply for demanding their rights. In Pakistan, one notable event involved around 200 women and children marching from Balochistan to Islamabad to protest the authorities' treatment of civilians, including the killing of Balaach Mola Bakshsh, who had been forcibly disappeared. These women camped out for nearly a month in Islamabad, drawing attention to their cause while receiving a heavily male police and military presence at their protest site. Activists claim that despite the dangers, women are unwilling to stay silent or back down, demonstrating unprecedented courage and resilience in their fight for justice. Questions remain about the future of women’s rights in South Asia, with many advocates hoping that the current wave of activism will lead to greater political representation and tangible rights for women. While the protests highlight a tireless fight for justice, they also underline the continual gendered backlash against women who dare to claim their rights and spaces in society.