Adnan Siddiqui urges women to speak up against sexual predators

Actor hopes for the society to be free of cases of abuse and harassment

This year's International Women Day saw Adnan Siddiqui pen a heartfelt tribute to women from different walks of life – those he personally knows, knows of or doesn’t know at all. From wives and mothers to teachers and doctors, the Mom star ranked them all under one roof, appreciating them equally and highlighting their contributions in their personal and professional lives. While he has been soaring high on the success of his career of late, Siddiqui hasn’t forgotten his obligation as a celebrity: To raise awareness about the evils that have taken over Pakistani society.

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In a recent Instagram post, the Mehndi star shared his two cents on the cases of sexual harassment that have been occurring all around the world behind closed curtains. He wrote, "I’ve recently read about a few cases of sexual abuse, harassment, abduction and street crime across the globe. They’ve been on the rise in the last few days. In Pakistan, street crime was in check for quite sometime but apparently it has started again."

Under an image that read "Stop women abuse", Siddiqui added that he knows of some Indian journalists who've come out and openly spoken about the various abuses they faced and the crimes they were subjected to. He lauded their bravery and wrote, "While some of the victims took a really long time to speak up, I must say it’s a very brave step. It requires immense courage to stand up against such crimes. If we’re progressing and growing then why are we not working towards making the world free of sexual abuse and harassment?"

PHOTO: FILE

Siddiqui urged, "If you notice or experience anything that’s not favourable, or if someone tries to abuse or harass you, please speak up. By keeping quiet you’re encouraging the culprit to continue with what he does. If today, God forbid, it’s you, tomorrow it would be someone else."

The Sammi actor explained that it pains him to know that there is still a huge number of women who do not speak up due to pressure or unknown reasons. However, he feels Pakistan is moving towards making the society better for women.

"I’m not entirely sure but I heard Sindh Education and Literacy Department is going to introduce a chapter on harassment which shall be taught in schools. It is indeed the need of the hour and I hope it gets implemented worldwide," stated Siddiqui.

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He concluded, "I feel, we must empower women to speak up against a crime they’ve been subjected to. Instead of putting allegations on them or trolling them, we must be empathetic towards them."

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The 48-year-old actor affirms that the society should help the victims heal and encourage them to share their experiences so that the culprits can be punished. He hopes for the world to be free of abuse and harassment soon as "women are the torch-bearers of tomorrow".

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