Faiza Gillani: ‘Don’t Tell Me What to Wear!’

Few social movements in Pakistan have sparked more debate than feminism, as the Aurat March has shown. In a recent appearance on Iffat Omar’s podcast, actor Faiza Gillani shared her perspective on what feminism should truly represent, despite not having personally participated in the Aurat March.

“The people waving the flag of feminism and those speaking against it are on opposite extremes,” said the Serial Killer actor. “Those advocating for women’s rights often don’t grasp the struggles faced by women who are suffering. Activists live comfortable lives and can’t fully understand the depth of the problems affecting the majority of the women they represent.”

Gillani, who described herself as a “very big feminist,” emphasized the need to shift the conversation. “We need to address issues impacting the majority,” she asserted, pointing to serious problems like physical abuse, discrimination, denial of education, and blackmail as the issues that demand attention.

The actor also underscored that the essence of feminism is a woman’s right to make her own choices, free from judgment. “If I choose to wear a dupatta, that’s my choice,” she said, dismissing the notion that conservative clothing signals oppression. “If I wear jeans, that’s also my choice. If I want to wear a niqab, that’s my choice. Please don’t tell me how to live my life, or who to love or hate. That’s my decision.”

Who is Faiza Gillani?

Gillani made her television debut in Ranjish (1996), and after several TV roles, she debuted in a film with Laal Kabootar (2019). She was most recently seen in Pagal Khana and Barzakh.

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