LAHORE: Panelists discussing prevention of girls’ sexual abuse in Pakistan were unanimous that people’s conscience is awakened, any action is initiated or a debate takes place once something extraordinary happens, such as the gruesome rape and murder of minor Zainab in Kasur.

The all-women session, ‘Beyond Silence and Shame: Preventing Girls’ Sexual Abuse in Pakistan’, was moderated by filmmaker/writer Mashal Peerzada, and organised by Samaaj in collaboration with the German Embassy in Islamabad at a hotel here. A video message from a German Embassy official was played at the start of the event, who acknowledged the topic under discussion was very important.

Visual artist Dr Farida Batool said the society first needs to accept such ills were prevalent. “The mainstream media also discusses the issue when it creates a sensation. There is a need to change the trend and create compelling content, which will develop a language to talk about the issue. The government can partner with creative agencies to develop such content and create awareness.”

She remarked that media and the West were usually blamed for social evils such as sexual abuse. For parents to admit their boy did something is more difficult than blaming it on other factors. There is a need to teach the tools to deal with an influx of content, language, protection, she added.

Visual artist and clinical psychologist Nageen Yousaf Chaudhry believes society functions in survival mode and an artist pushes those in that mode to do something about it. “Every person needs to play a role. Artists can create, but people should spread the message.”

Child rights activist Rashida Qureshi said incidents were discussed, but not the causes, especially in the media. Visuals and art created an impact regarding social issues and could help “accidental parents” who aren’t trained or prepared to take care of children.

“Age-specific and the right words are very important for discussing issues such as sexual abuse with minors. The impression that such discussions are inappropriate for children and ruin their minds is harmful.”

Commenting on the coverage of such issues, Ms Chaudhry suggested the media highlight the punishment handed out to a criminal rather than the crime itself, otherwise criminals derive pleasure when stories are described and discussed. Dr Batool chipped in that programmes needed to be well-researched as women are usually presented in the context of marriage, dowry, cocooned by parents.“A book authored by a man says Surah Nisa shouldn’t be taught to girls despite it being for and about them,” she laughed.

Ms Peerzada then asked the panelists about their thoughts about societal narratives enabling victim blaming, to which Dr Batool said idioms needed to be checked and revised, as they’re used as natural truth and endorse gender biases and roles.Ms Qureshi said patriarchy didn’t allow men to talk about harassment they’ve faced. “A man’s ego is hurt if he shares an incident.”

The panelists were of the view that children should be encouraged and taught to speak up when they face any kind of abuse, or even if they commit a wrong. Chaudhry said children had guilt and shame because of which they don’t speak up, but there was a need to shun victim shaming and any threat of punishment. “We need to understand that no emotion can be suppressed; don’t judge yourself or others.”

Qureshi added to it that an environment needed to be created where children trusted an adult enough to speak to without being judged.

Before the panel discussion began, Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister on Information and official spokesperson of the provincial government, Hasaan Khawar, wished all political parties rose above politics and worked together on the issue. He then quoted a Sahil report that 2,900 cases of violence against children were reported in 2020, which was just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases went unreported.

“It’s so deep-rooted in society that children don’t speak up owing to the shame, guilt, social stigma and taboos attached to it.”

He said there were two sides to the issue: deterrence and prevention. “The Zainab case shook everyone’s conscience, everyone wanted to change society. There’s no dearth of laws, but we need to strengthen institutions and agencies and increase their capacities, check if the legal system is equipped to mete out suitable punishments. This is just the beginning. It’s a long journey, but we’re on the right path.”

For prevention, he remarked, awareness was important, for which lifestyle curriculum was needed. “We can communicate with children through creative storytelling.”

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2022