Shehzil Malik is bringing feminist art to the mainstream in Pakistan. The contemporary feminist artist started on this path because of how she felt going out alone in Pakistan.
When the 31-year-old artist felt unsafe walking alone in the streets (something that many women can relate to), she decided to put her feelings out, creatively.
Initially, Shehzil recalls that she had no intention of empowering women through her creative outlet but that’s what ended up happening. She set out to tell a story, and women listened.
Through her visual story-telling, the artist portrayed how it feels to be a woman in Pakistan.
She put her feelings in a canvas and now it’s empowering women all over the world.
She took these stories of hers and created contemporary art. Shehzil’s posters were put up all across Lahore ahead of the ‘Aurat March’ on International Women’s Day.
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You can watch her story here:
Shehzil felt unsafe when she walked alone in Pakistan. So she put her feelings into her art and now it's empowering women all over the world. pic.twitter.com/u0SAFyodih
— AJ+ (@ajplus) March 12, 2019
Her art called for women to stand in solidarity in their struggle for women rights.
For Shehzil this was the feeling of her being a part of something she wants.
“It’s about women, it’s about demanding a better life for women in Pakistan and being supported and in the company of these awesome women who are activists, lawyers, writers, and stay-at-home mothers.”
The Art of Storytelling
In 2015, Shehzil told the story of her experiences through a comic. The story was about her walking alone in the streets of Lahore and how unsafe it felt in a male-dominated society. The comic was globally acclaimed.
Shehzil launched Pakistan’s first feminist fashion line in 2017.
Shehzil’s story was aimed at promoting empathy for women in public spaces. In some areas of every city, it can be hard for women in public spaces. By making an effort to make these women feel comfortable would mean a lot for the women empowerment agenda.
“In Pakistan, it’s not the norm to have women in public spaces. So if somebody is there, don’t make them feel so uncomfortable that they would rather stay indoors or not step out ever.”
A Dismal State
A study by the Asian Development Bank stated that about 90% of women reported feeling unsafe using public bus transport services.
In a study conducted in 2018, Pakistan was ranked the fourth worst country for women in terms of discrimination and economic resources. The study reported that the United States was the tenth most dangerous country for women.
These statistics go to show that despite rapid development and prosperity, women still have it hard no matter where they are from.
Combating a Range of Pressing Issues
From sexism to racism, Shehzil’s next objective is to raise awareness of women issues such as body image, colorism, and what counts are appropriate attire for women.
Shehzil wants to highlight the fact that women all over the world still face the same issues due to gender discrimination.
“With the Internet, we’re all so connected that we can see it live about what happens to women all around the world.”
It seems that Shehzil Malik has her work cut out for her.
via AJ+
