We Menstruate Too: Women Slam ‘PadMan’ Ban in Pakistan

Women in Pakistan decry their censor board’s decision to ban Akshay Kumar starrer ‘PadMan’ in the country.

The Pakistan government’s decision to ban Akshay Kumar starrer, PadMan did not sit well with a lot of women in the country. Many took to Twitter to decry their government’s decision and wrote about how “Pakistan deserves to become a part of this conversation on reproductive health”.

The decision to issue an NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film ‘Padman’ as the film has not yet been pre-viewed by the Central Board of Film Censors.

Government of Pakistan

The decision to issue an NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film "Padman" as the film has not yet been pre-viewed by the Central Board of Film Censors. pic.twitter.com/NExGsWGV8M

— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) February 11, 2018

Women In Pakistan Say ‘We Bleed Too’

Dear Sir, the film #Padman has been released internationally. Your decision-making is embarrassingly slow. Why should a film about menstrual hygein & cheap sanitary napkins denied a release or delayed? Pakistan deserves to become a part of this conversation on reproductive health https://t.co/tTzZTDvIg7

— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 11, 2018

Yes, Pakistani Women menstruate too. I support #Padman and menstrual hygiene. Ban on @PadManTheFilm in Pakistan is senseless. Release it now. pic.twitter.com/KpsTL6Rc3a

— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 10, 2018

"Against our traditions & culture" Oh well, coz women don't menstruate here... What stupid people sitting at Censor Board ! #PadMan must be allowed in Pakistan ! https://t.co/S7PUfBV9ak

— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) February 10, 2018

Banning PadMan in Pakistan is another one of those illogical things that simply affect the business of cinemas in Pakistan.
Menstruation is a fact of life, and bringing it to mainstream consciousness is neither immoral nor un-Islamic.

— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) February 10, 2018

Dear Censor Board of Pakistan
Yes! We #Pakistani women get our periods too! Every month we bleed, it's simple biology.

I condemn the ban on @PadManTheFilm in Pakistan!#IAmPadman #Padman #UnBan pic.twitter.com/mnrNLJkROC

— The Lodhi (@AnnamL0dhi) February 10, 2018

Banning padman in Pakistan just shows how we havent mentally progressed as a nation. Utterly disappointing.

— Amna Mazhar (@ozilinaa) February 10, 2018

Those banning should know this “taboo” topic is the reason they are alive. No menstration means no fertility. No fertility 4 means no babies. Banners were babies 2 na. Nature se bhi panga. Leh. Apas ki baat. 🙄 Misogyny much? ‘PadMan’ banned in Pakistan https://t.co/ANkxyt194i

— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) February 10, 2018

#Padman banned in Pakistan just because it's a movie that's trying to create awareness about the health issues women go through due to lack to knowledge!!! Very disappointing!

— Komal Shahid (@ArmedWithWords) February 9, 2018

Banning #Padman in Pakistan proves that this country is run by hypocrites and uneducated morons. Not talking about an issue doesn't make it go away. And why is it even a taboo in the first place? We will never learn.

— Fatima ✨ (@fatimataqishah) February 10, 2018

Insecurity, illiteracy & double standards of #Pakistani filmmakers who're okay with dirty raunchy item numbers but consider "unislamic" to film a social awareness topic of #menstruation on #WomenEmpowerment
Censor board, 👎move#Padman banned in #Pakistan https://t.co/MHfDx1zVys

— Mona Alam (@MonaAlamm) February 10, 2018

Punjab film board can't watch #Padman but will have no problem seeing lecherous men slobber over a haplessly objectified heroine. #ReleasePadman #WeirdPriorities https://t.co/goJOfEYStW

— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) February 10, 2018

A Few Men Speak Up Too

Movies like jism 2 can be shown in Pakistan cinemas but Padman is banned. What a shame it is. Its fine to show half naked women and highly intimidated scenes in movies but a movie based on real issues and everyone loses their minds.
HEIGHT OF HYPOCRISY!

— T. (@Crushkacrush) February 11, 2018

1 out of 3 women r died because of cultural taboo. Remaining are victim of nutrition and various virus and cancers.most popular is breast and ovarian cancer but still in pakistan, movie like padman is banned.women in centre r aware what abt 60%in rural areas? @saifsamejo

— Ali aamir siming (@AamirSiming) February 10, 2018

Director of PadMan, R Balki says it is shame that a film that endeavours to eradicate the stigma towards menstrual hygiene is being seen in this negative light.