Great Expectations

One of Paper Magazine’s most defining moments was the 2010 issue featuring Meesha Shafi proudly displaying her pregnant body. In a society where pregnant bodies are often hidden or stigmatized, the cover shattered a deeply rooted taboo. In a conservative environment where women still cannot appear on television screens with visible pregnant bellies, the image inevitably caused a stir. However, it delivered a necessary and powerful message about bodily autonomy and visibility.