Speakers urge harassment victims not to suffer in silence
The Continuous Medical Education (CME) of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) held a seminar on Harassment to raise awareness among students and to educate them about the university's policies on the issue.
The seminar, organised by CME Additional Director Dr Rahat Naz, was attended by the Dow University of Health and Sciences Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nazli Hossain, JSMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, JSMU Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Saadia Akram, JSMU Registrar Dr Azam Khan, faculty, staff, and students of JSMU.
In her speech, the chief guest, Professor Dr Nazli Hossain, said that all universities should take such initiatives to raise awareness among students about harassment so that incidents like the one that took place at Bahawalpur University do not happen again.
She said that universities and educational institutions are only meant for promoting education and creating a literate society where no one feels uncomfortable or exploited.
The Vice Chancellor of JSMU, Professor Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, said that JSMU has a zero-tolerance policy against any kind of harassment.
He assured students that the university would protect them from any kind of harassment and that any complaint would be investigated on merit and not for the purpose of defaming anyone or taking revenge.
"Harassment is a crime that must be stopped", he added.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of JSMU, Professor Dr Saadia Akram, said that harassment is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on anyone's life. She said that it is important to recognize harassment and take steps to address it.
Dr Rahat Naz, said that if you are being harassed, tell someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or other trusted adult.
This can help you feel less alone and afraid, she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2023.