Daily Times

The #MeToo campaign started following numerous sexual harassment claims by Hollywood actors in the industry. Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd claimed Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein had sexually harassed them. After this, Brie Larson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence, Singer Morrissey, Alice Evans and many others joined the list of the people who claimed Weinstein also harassed them. Moreover, Summer Zervoscon tended that in 2007, the President of America Donald Trump sexually harassed her. I am proud and inspired by these people who are strong enough to speak up and share their stories.

In 2016, the EECO released a comprehensive study that 25 to 85 percent women report having experienced sexual harassment at workplace in the United States. Approximately 70 percent working women do not report workplace sexual harassment in India by superiors because of fear according to the survey conducted by Indian Bar Association in 2017. The number of rapes reported to authorities in Sweden increased by 10 percent in 2017 according to new preliminary figures from the country’s National Council on Crime Prevention.

Sadly, in Pakistan, 11 children became victims of sexual abuse every day in 2016, and a 10 percent increase was witnessed in 2017. In 2016, 76 percent of the cases were reported from rural areas whereas 24 percent were reported from urban. According to the latest numbers released by Sahil, an organisation that works on child protection with a particular focus on sexual abuse, 1,764 cases of child abuse were reported from across the country in the first six months of 2017 alone.

This is a common issue, which is not only related to the specific group or age of people. While the case of Zainab perhaps made the headlines, there are a number of other similar cases that go unreported. People do not report these incidents out of fear, while some do not even know how to register a case.

A girl going to a school, college, university or workplace should not be afraid of anything. Boycott those so-called companies who hire a woman on the basis of looks and marital status to give them the message that you can never compromise on your dignity

The reason for the widespread child abuse in our society is not a lack of sex education. In fact, the reality is that we do not try to listen to our children, which results in children hiding any such incidents from their parents.

White Ribbon Pakistan (Stop Violence Against Women), AASHA (Alliance Against Sexual Harassment), Kashaf Foundation, Step Foundation, Aurat Foundation and Sahil NGO are working in Pakistan against violence and harassment, including physical torture, emotional/psychological abuse, acid throwing, forced marriages, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, honour killing, child abuse and marriage.

There are definite laws for women harassment in Pakistan. In March 2010, the protection against harassment of women at the working place act was passed to create a safe working environment for women. The amendment in the Pakistan Penal Code and the code of criminal procedure made the offence punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine of Rs. 500,000 — or both.

Acid throwing, under section 200 of the code of criminal procedure, 1898, is punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description which shall not be less than 14 years and a minimum fine of one million rupees.

Criminal Law Amendment Act 2004, Anti-Honour Killing Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and 2016 deal with honour-killing cases. Under section 200 of the code of criminal procedure, 1898, an FIR can be registered with the local police station, with a minimum of 10 to maximum 25 years imprisonment for any murder committed under the pretext of honour. Under an amendment in section 310 and 310 A, Badal-e-Sulah is a crime, punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of three to maximum ten years.

Under Child Marriages Act, 1929, and Punjab Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill 2015, an FIR can be registered under section 200 of the code of criminal procedure, 1898. The offence is punishable by imprisonment, which may extend to six months and fine of fifty thousand rupees.

The prevention of anti-women practices, (criminal law Amendment) Act, 2011 section 310 A, 498 B, 498 C, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860orders the imprisonment for minimum three to maximum seven years, and a fine of 0.5 million rupees for forced marriages.

Under Section 376, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, insulting modesty and causing sexual harassment is a crime. Torture, custodial death and custodial rape, under Prevention and Punishment Act, 2014, shall be punished with death or imprisonment of no less than ten years can increase to 25 years.

Some companies, while setting their priorities like the age requirement for CEO position, usually require a woman candidate to be younger than 35, presentable and unmarried. An Iranian psychiatrist describes it as “a perfect manifestation of discrimination”. Sometimes, when they interview a female candidate, the interviewers try to be friendly with the candidate, physically touching her and sometimes, even inviting them out for dinner. When you show your weaknesses, they will definitely trap you.

Why always women need to tolerate harassment? It does not hurt to use the voice recorder of your cell phone to keep a proof of your boss’ inappropriate talk. Do not hesitate to talk about this with your family. And do not be afraid of blackmailing by any male staff. When a woman sets this boundary, she is giving a clear message that she is powerful too.

Most women are unaware of the fact that the law of Pakistan gives them full protection against sexual harassment. If the people of Pakistan start acknowledging their rights and actively decide to stand up against sexual harassment, then nobody can defeat their dreams and potential. For only one hour per day, apart from your daily routine, give full attention to your children. Ask him/her those uncomfortable questions and talk about their problems and fears. It is your responsibility to keep them safe.

This is the time to stand up. How many parents will have to cry for their beloved children before we stand up? Maybe you and I are the last hope for them.

Teach your sons to respect women. PEMRA should ban those channels which promote vulgarity and unethical values instead of including sex education in the curriculum. At the age of three to eight years, do not hesitate to show your kids awareness movies which are made by different organisations and groom them as fearless citizens. Some liberals suggest that there must be a psychological problem with the culprit that must be treated. The question is: from where do these mental issues come into our society? Is it the unethical media or websites? As a responsible citizen, we should help PTA and point out those unethical sites, pages and groups on social media.

The writer is a writer, educationist and social worker. She tweets @FahminaAbuzar

Published in Daily Times, February 7^th 2018.