Marvi Sirmed

Marvi Sirmed is a Pakistani political commentator, journalist, and human rights activist. She identifies as a social democrat who advocates for secular polity and minority rights within Pakistan.

Early life and education

Sirmed was born in Sialkot, Punjab, on 11 June 1970. Her paternal family originated from Bhawalpur and worked as agriculturists. Her father, Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, served as the Directorate General of Public Relations Punjab until 2003. During her childhood, she accompanied her mother to various women's protests.

She was originally a pre-med student before she transitioned into teaching and journalism. Sirmed obtained a master's degree in science and education from the University of Punjab. She later taught at secondary schools located in Lahore.

Career

Sirmed began engaging in NGO activities during the 1990s alongside her journalistic work. Between 2001 and 2002, she joined the Legislative Watch Programme of the Aurat Foundation. In 2004, she worked for the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan. During this period, she simultaneously worked with the National Commission on the Status of Women, the Federal Ministry of Women's Development, and the Parliament of Pakistan.

She has been a freelance journalist since 2016. Sirmed serves as the board chair of Bytes for All and is a fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy. She previously held a position on the executive council of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

Her outspoken stance on human rights and secular democracy has led to significant controversy. In November 2007, she was arrested while protesting the emergency declared by military dictator Pervez Musharraf. Sirmed faced intense online harassment after defending a decision by the United States Embassy in Pakistan to invite LGBT people to an event. This defense resulted in attacks on YouTube and threats of death and sexual violence. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemned the misinformation campaign against her.

In 2016, she participated in a live televised debate with the conservative scholar Hafiz Hamdullah. After their argument escalated, she publicly supported Hamdullah when his citizenship was challenged to criticize officials. On 3 March 2020, Sirmed interrupted Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar during a live debate on Neo News by chanting "Mera Jism Meri Marzi." This action led to derogatory remarks from Qamar and subsequent criticism of him by the media fraternity.

Sirmed addressed her position in interviews with DW.com and Daud Khattak. She argued that the slogan "my body, my choice" is relevant to Pakistani women across all social classes. She stated that women must have the right to refuse sexual harassment or forced marriage decisions. Sirmed maintains that society should not use women's bodies for honor.

She has faced physical danger on multiple occasions. Unidentified gunmen shot at her in 2012 and again in 2018, though she escaped both times unhurt. Her home has been ransacked three times by individuals who stole her documents and passports.

Personal life

Sirmed is married to the journalist Sirmed Manzoor.

Awards and recognition

The government of Pakistan presented Sirmed with the National Human Rights Award in 2010. She also received the Friend of the Parliament Award in 2012.