IG urges people to educate their daughters about harassment

Speakers at seminar encourage girls to speak up against the problem.

HYDERABAD: If people stop educating their daughters due to fear and harassment, it will wreak havoc in the society, said Sindh IG Allah Dino Khawaja speaking at a seminar held in Sindh University (SU) on Thursday.

The mystifying circumstances surrounding the death of a student in her hostel room in Sindh University has renewed the debate on protection and harassment of women at workplace and educational institutions. The law enforcement officials and the academia gathered at the seminar to share their views on the sensitive issue.

"Death of N* has left all the people in a state of shock," said the IG, encouraging the people to educate their daughters to speak up against harassment. N, a final-year student of SU's Sindhi department, was found dead in her hostel room on January 1. The police claimed she committed suicide due to harassment and blackmailing by a suspect, Anis Khaskheli, who has been arrested. The IG asserted that the law enforcement agencies will not tolerate harassment against women in educational institutions.

"It's sad to see the attitude of helplessness among women," said Khawaja. He advised women to be cautious while using the social media to ensure their safety and security, and urged parents to provide fear-free environment to their daughters at homes so that they can become bold, brave and confident.

SU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat underscored the need for changing social and cultural mindset of men in Sindh. He argued that this attitude represent a feudal approach and is responsible for the mistreatment of women. Dr Burfat advised parents to bridge emotional, psychological and communication gaps with their children.

*Name withheld to protect identity

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2017.