‘Sexual harassment ruining society’

Expert says not only women but men also fall prey to sexual violence

Maliha Husain, executive director of Mehergarh -- a centre for learning, said that sexual harassment was ruining society as a cancer.

"Hence, we all from parents to teachers are duty-bound to play a proactive role for rooting out the evil in an effective way," she said.

Addressing a seminar on “Sexual Harassment Act 2010” at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), she said sexual harassment was a common phenomenon, but, unfortunately, it was not discussed in our society.

"Although the Sexual Harassment Act 2010 safeguards lives of people from the societal evil, yet there is a dire need to provide awareness about it at the public level," she said.

"The discussion on sexual harassment in families is considered as a taboo. We should hold conversation in this regard to create awareness so that we can get rid of the menace," she added.

Maliha Husain said that in our society not only women but also men fell victim to sexual violence.

In today's age, friendships started through the Internet, and its videos, sometimes, lead to crimes. However, implementation on the Sexual Harassment Act could help weed out the evil if it was implemented in letter and spirit, especially at the institution level, she added.

The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Prof. Dr. Farzana Rizvi, the Director of Students Affairs, Dr. Nadeem Abbas, Chairman Dr. Rao Zahid Abbas and Dr. Sidra Ejaz also spoke at the seminar.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2023.