KARACHI:
Imagine being a girl, trapped in a prison of torture and teasing, isolated from happiness and peace. Your family and society treat you like a burden, and everyone reacts with hostility, like dogs. No one believes or trusts you, and you're blamed for every circumstance. It's as if girls are born to suffer.
As I reflected on the heartbreaking stories of girls in Kolahoo village, I felt a deep sense of sorrow and frustration. I met a young girl four months ago who shared the heartbreaking stories of girls from her village. She told me about her friend Sehar, who was tortured and teased by boys on her way to school. Sehar's family too was afraid to let her pursue higher education, and she was forced into marriage. When she discovered her fate, she took her own life by drinking poison.
This tragic story highlights the miserable condition of girls in our society. They are denied their basic rights, and their voices are silenced. As a girl myself, I feel a deep sense of solidarity with these victims of gender-based violence and discrimination. I realise that I am not immune to the same fate, and that my voice may not be heard or trusted. However, I am determined to rise above this injustice and advocate for the rights and empowerment of girls everywhere.
To achieve true women empowerment, we must begin with the girl child. We must provide them with access to education, healthcare and opportunities for growth and development. We must listen to their voices, believe in them, and support them. Only then can we create a brighter future for all, where girls are valued and respected, and their rights are protected.
Iqra Zahid
Turbat
