- “Exercising bodily autonomy is a basic human right,” says Author Noshe Butt
A social media user posted that she is a 31-year-old and she has consciously chosen not to have children ever, sparking a debate on Twitter. The remarks sparked harsh criticism from men in particular.
Demands for women’s bodily autonomy and gender equality are often met with criticism in conservative Pakistan. The Aurat March 2018 came under harsh criticism for using the slogan “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” (my body, my choice). The slogan demands bodily autonomy and an end to gender-based violence.
The social media user wrote: “I am 31 years old and over the last few years I have very consciously chosen not to have children ever. Marriage, maybe. Children, no.”
I am 31 years old and over the last few years I have very consciously chosen not to have children ever. Marriage, maybe. Children, no.
— Sidra Aziz (@NamkeenJalebi) February 5, 2023
Her remarks sparked a debate online, with many men also giving their two cents on the matter.
You can not chose either you will become a mother or not, it’s something if it needs to be happen it will happen no matter what you wish. Your story is already written girl 🥺🥺
— Mohsin Khan (@gfxmosh) February 5, 2023
That’s spouse’s mutual decision, but i think it’s a feel, something you would like to enjoy like you enjoy any other activity in this world. Giving birth to life and a full control to build a character, that can change world destiny is amazing i think, one should experience.
— Muhammad Waqar Afzal (@waqarafz) February 7, 2023
Its your decision but what if your parents had chosen the same
— Amjad Ali (@AmjadAli_86) February 5, 2023
Another social media user wrote: “Men as complete strangers are mad that a woman they don’t know or impacts their life in no way doesn’t want to have children. Imagine what the same men do to women who are attached to them in different relationships.”
Men as complete strangers are mad that a woman they don’t know or impacts their life in no way doesn’t want to have children. Imagine what the same men do to women who are attached to them in different relationships.
— Fatima Sajjad Shah (@FatimaShah95) February 6, 2023
Meanwhile, some supported her decision, calling it a “personal choice”.
Both decisions should be respected as these are most important decisions in life. It’s up to each one to take decisions for themselves as , it’s of a kind irreversible in effect , once looking back at a later stage of life.
— Harmony (@harmony1960) February 7, 2023
More power.
— Haroon Riaz (@HaroonRiaz) February 6, 2023
While talking to Dissent Today, Noshe Butt, author of Mera Jism Tumhari Marzi? (My body, your choice?), said the decision to have children completely lies with a woman.
“Family and society cannot dictate when a woman could or should have children. It is her body, her choice,” she added.
She further added that exercising bodily autonomy is a basic human right.
