Popular Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane is quite vocal on social media. She is one of those people who don’t shy away from taking a stand for what they perceive as right.
The actress recently appeared in a talk show with host Mira Sethi, where she shared her views on many issues including, feminism.
Responding to a question there, Hocane pointed out how many words in our society have different connotations to their actual meanings. The word ‘bold’ for example, is a positive word that represents nonconformists in the west, but it is has a negative connotation in our culture.
“People have unrealistic expectations of women. We’re always fitting ourselves in boxes so we get that validation. I have friends who aren’t ‘bold’ at all, but even they have so many labels attached to them.”
On Feminism
When the host asked her to take on feminism, and if she called herself a feminist, here is what she said:
Yes, I’m a feminist. But, I don’t think feminism is about hating the other gender.
The celebrity viewed that feminism is about knowing you’re no less, knowing your place. It’s about coexisting. I don’t even want to use the word equal or say feminism is about equality because even that is misconstrued. She believes feminism is about coexisting. She said people should understand that women also exist and so they have their rights.
Women vs. Women
The Rangreza actress went on to explain how women judge other women to undermine their freedom makes her said.
“Like, something as trivial as women judging other women for the way they sit. I want to find out who wrote these rules and where is the booklet they wrote them in. And then I want to ask that person that even if I play by this book, would everyone laud me after that? Would I finally be appreciated?”
Self-belief
Urwa then suggested women stop seeking validation from others and live their lives the way they like it.
“Just do what your heart tells you to do, cut yourself some slack, and be good to yourself.”
Pointing to how women are by nature, nurturers, the Udaari actor said, “Nurturing should be a power, not a weakness.”
The complete interview is available here:
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