Social media is finally becoming the space for many victims to come forward and share their story. The reason why they share these harassment stories may differ but we have seen in the recent past that many have been able to get justice due to the amount of attention these stories get.
It must have taken a lot of courage in Saba Ali to come forward and share how a total of 80 students were harassed by an invigilator
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=499817093767015&set=a.134871290261599.1073741829.100012161856376&type=3&theater
As soon as this story broke out, many more also came forward with their own experiences with the instructor in question
https://twitter.com/OfficiallyAlsa/status/1001450370000916480
People on Twitter and Facebook started demanding punishment for the one responsible for violating these students by using #PunishSadatBashir
Accused by 80 girls of harassment and still no action taken against him. KAB JAAGEGA HUMARA ZAMEER? #PunishSadatBashir
— Sardar Jaagan Bhayo (@SardarBhayo) May 31, 2018
This is sickening to say the least! Sadat bashir is disgrace to our country. Now tell me who should be blamed? Girls? Or their clothes? The only thing that needs to be blamed is his sick mentality! He’s nothing but a misogynistic and a sexually frustrated man! #PunishSadatBashir
— Hafsa Hussaini (@hafsahussainii) May 30, 2018
This has prompted the Bahria admin to launch an investigation into the matter and in a recent statement, here is what they said
The matter was even taken up in the National Assembly by Shaza Fatima Khawaja – an MNA from PMLN
This is the power of social media that jolts these lawmakers when people are so decided to a cause and want justice
Raised voice for our brave young girls who’ve spoken up against the sexual harassment incident in #BahriaCollege by #SadatBashir – and for those who, for many reasons, are unable to speak up. 1/2 #MeToo #TimesUp #PunishSaadatBashir pic.twitter.com/r306Qyy0x4
— Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) May 30, 2018
The recent development in the case is a huge milestone achieved by the students who came forward with their stories and the people who pushed for justice
It is no secret that it is extremely difficult in Pakistan to open up about abuse and harassment because victim shaming is a tactic ingrained in us. This pushes the victims to shy away from ever speaking up against predators who exploit them. Sexual abuse and harassment are serious issues that need to be talked about and brought up so that people can be punished. Gone are the days when women used to remain silent. The amount of support that they have now because of the #MeToo movement, many are finally breaking the silence and pointing out predators to ensure that no one else goes through the same torture as they did.
It is important to listen to them and give them the space to share their stories. This is exactly what was lacking in the country before – the space to share stories.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to hear both sides of the story. In this case as well, many have resorted to this route. And that’s absolutely fine. The problem begins when you slut-shame the person sharing the society and indulge in victim shaming that they are too scared to even open. This is the kind of environment which is damaging and has stopped women for years from opening up.
Sadat Bashir has denied the allegations
#PunishSadatBashir rejects allegations of sexual harassment. "Education institution like APS&Bahria always pressurize me to award maximum marks to students in practical exams but I give marks to students on basis of their performance. I am being victimised for that," he said. pic.twitter.com/eS2NsbcJIl
— M Awais Kiyani (@awaiskiyani24) May 30, 2018
The fact that the college administration has promised an investigation – what this will do is establish a legal course of action to ensure and establish who was being victimized
Yasser Latif Hamdani along with some of his fellows have promised pro bono legal services to the girls who have come forward with these claims. This is a great initiative and if you know anyone who wants to avail these services, please get them in touch.
In an ideal setting, if the administration follows through with its promise of the investigation and is not nonchalant about finding out the truth, then there are two conclusions to this story
The first is that the students are proven wrong. The institute then has the authority to decide the fate of these students. Legally, they would not know what action to take because Pakistani laws regarding harassment do not talk about false accusations and the punishment for it. This means that the girls will either be reprimanded and let go or suspended for a brief period of time… or nothing at all.
The second is that the man is found guilty of sexual advances towards these young girls. The legal course of action here can be found in the Protection of Women Against Harassment at Workplace Act 2010. The act is applicable to public spaces as well. However, this might be the right time to push authorities to come up with laws specifically targeting such situations.
More Than 80 Female Students Have Accused This Invigilator For The Federal Board Of Sexual Harassment
Here’s How Social Media Is Being Used By Pakistani Students To Battle Sexual Harassment And Expose Predators
