Awareness, right protective measures key to protect vulnerable adults, kids

Islamabad :Awareness and right protective measures would be a key to stop growing sexual abuse of vulnerable adults and children. Unfortunately, the presence of this menace in our society was quite alarming. Hence, it’s time for students, teachers and parents to be more aware and vigilant to stop such heinous crimes. This was the crux of a daylong activity with several interactive sessions with the male and female children organised by Nomad Art Gallery in collaboration here at Saya School Golra.The activity to raise awareness among the children on sexual abuse was the part of the series of the campaign under 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which is a global movement initiated by Rutgers University – US. The theme for 2019 is ‘Generation equality stands against rape'.A documentary ‘Sahar Batool Insaaf Maangte Hai,’ produced by Nageen Hyat, Director Nomad, was screened during the event that unveiled the hidden aspects of child abuse in our society.Nageen, who is also a rights and social activist and filmmaker, informed the students that the production was based on the tragic fate of Sahar Batool, a minor victim of abuse from the most vulnerable Hazara community in Quetta.It also underpinned the need of mainstreaming religious minorities, equal citizenship and the growing importance of females’ economic empowerment through skill development and meaningful employment opportunities.Sadia Aman Rathore -- social activist and actor informed the children that children’s sexual abuse is a widespread phenomenon. Therefore, it’s important for children to know the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad touch’ and how to act to protect them in case of any kind of assault, she added.More than 700 students along with faculty members and made their active participation in this monologue ‘Protective measures against sexual abuse’, that covered various aspects related to children’s sexual abuse in length. While explaining the nature of various extents of abuse and sexual harassment, Sadia argued that both male and female children are subjected to such crimes. However, silence is not a solution and children must learn the ways to become their own protector.To highlight individual and societal perspective about the prevalence of sexual abuse, students and artists worked together to create mural paintings on the walls of school. The shared effort led by senior artists Ahmad Habib and Riffat Khattak, was based on the depiction of a strong resolve for peace and to say no to violence.During the daylong activity, it was emphasised that the parents, teachers and students need to be more concerned and vigilant to respond to this menace to vulnerable people and contribute in raising awareness on available protection measures while keep voicing for more appropriate measures.The awareness raising effort by Nomad Art Gallery and Saya School received highly positive response by the students, faculty and parents while terming it quite useful to respond to the curse of sexual abuse. Besides others, partners Tasweer Khana, SPARC, Zenith Media, Shanakht Trust and Nomad Media also made valuable contribution in making the event productive and meaningful, especially to educate children on ensuring their wellbeing.

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2DvicM5