KARACHI:
Across the country, many women are constantly faced with harassment on the streets, in public transport and in bazaars. Girls and women are subjected to verbal abuse, stalking, and physical harassment. Street harassment is a serious violation of women’s rights and significantly impacts their mental and emotional well-being.
It limits their mobility, affects their sense of security, and hampers their confidence preventing them from fully participating in public life. Street harassment reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and perpetuates a culture of violence against women. It is the government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society’s responsibility to take concrete steps to combat street harassment. The existing laws should be enforced strictly, and the legal system should provide timely justice to the victims.
The education system can play an important role in sensitising young people about the importance of respect and gender equality. There is a need to raise awareness about street harassment and its impact on women’s lives. Public campaigns, media outreach, and community engagement can help to change attitudes and behaviours towards women. Everyone should take a stand against street harassment and work towards creating a society where women can feel safe and empowered to live their lives without fear. We should all join hands to make Pakistan a place where women can enjoy their basic rights and dignity.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2023.
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