ABSTRACT

This research will focus on exploring how Aurat March-a contemporary feminist movement-uses   X  (formerly  Twitter)   for   mobilization,   activism  and  the  resultant censorship it faces online. Utilizing Manuell Castell’s Theory of the Network Society and concepts like Networked Feminism,connective action and Affordances. I aim to contextualize these concepts within Pakistan and understand how the ban on X affects a movement   which   primarily   uses   online   platforms   for   activism.   Interviews   with participants, organisers, and volunteers have been conducted along with analysis of X posts,Placards and newspaper articles to answer my research questions. This research shows that Aurat March was primarily formed online amidst the global rise of feminist movements  like  the  MeToo  movement and  which gained  traction among Aurat March supporters. My research relied on a qualitative methodology since I wanted to understand this  movement from the  perspective of my data sources and their lived experience of participating in the march. In agreement with Castell technology is not an autonomous force  and  there  are  multiple  factors  contributing to  building a  feminist consciousness where  online  mediums  cannot  be  considered  the  sole  factor  behind  Aurat  March Islamabad sustaining itself.   Participants shared multiple reasons for joining the March, while  social  media  was  not the  primary reason for  joining.  Although organisers  and participants agree that social media gives them broader reach, there is a general understanding that they do not want to over rely on social media and instead want to focus more on in-person mobilisation. Hashtag activism is quite common in both Lahore and Islamabad where they use different hashtags to share why it is important to march. Hate speech and online backlash against female participants and organisers is quite common, due to which they have to navigate online spaces with caution. The ban on X has  affected  both organisers  and  participants  who  used  to  be  active  on the platform, however, this has not impacted Aurat March significantly, as March organisers can use other platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Most participants agree that this ban is  reflective  of the  state  crackdown against dissenting voices in physical spaces, which is why it is necessary to focus more on in-person mobilization as well.