gender based violence
TAKHT BAHI
The Foundation for Social Protection Awareness (FOSPA), an organization working to educating women on sexual harassment, conducted an awareness event at The Lords College of Sciences.
The session aimed to equip female students with knowledge about sexual harassment, its various manifestations, prevention strategies, and appropriate reporting mechanisms.
Madam Amina, a representative from FOSPA, delivered an informative lecture, defining sexual harassment as any behaviour rooted in an imbalance of power, where an individual misuses their position to inflict discomfort, harm, or seek personal gratification without consent. She stressed that such harassment could occur in various settings, including schools, workplaces, public spaces, hostels, and even homes, with a significant number of cases reported at workplaces.
Throughout her talk, Madam Amina outlined common scenarios of harassment, such as inappropriate comments while travelling, unwelcome advances in public markets, and non-consensual physical contact. She emphasized that harassment encompasses discriminatory attitudes, unwelcome physical gestures, subtle demands for sexual favours, and any verbal or physical conduct that undermines a person’s dignity.
Madam Amina reiterated that the existence of laws, judicial rulings, and institutional measures has not entirely eradicated harassment, as both women and men continue to face these challenges. She reminded attendees that a woman’s value is inherent and equal to that of anyone, irrespective of her religion, culture, or social background. Differences in upbringing, culture, and environment should never be grounds to undermine a woman’s status or dignity in society.
The session concluded with a powerful message that every woman deserves respect, protection, and empowerment, and that continued awareness and solidarity are vital for fostering safer environments for all.
