Adnan Siddiqui Lauds 'brave' Women Speaking Up On Sexual Harassment  

Says we must empower women to speak up against a crime they’ve been subjected to

Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 8th October, 2018) Actor Adnan Siddiqui talks sense and in the latest, he has lent support to the women who speak up against sexual harassment.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, the veteran actor shared how he has been upset reading about cases relating to sexual abuse, harassment, abduction and street crime.

“I’ve recently read about a few cases sexual abuse, harassment, abduction and street crime across the globe. They’ve been on the rise in the last few days. In Pakistan street crime was in check for quite sometime but apparently has started again,” he said.

Mentioning about the Indian journalists who recently spoke up about the abuses they have been subjected to, he said that it’s very brave of them.

“There are quite a few female journalists in India who’ve come out and openly spoken about various kinds of abuse they’ve faced or crime they’ve been subjected to. I read some stories on twitter and though I was quiet, it was bothering me. I’ve read a few stories about various crimes in Pakistan also recently. While some of them took a really long time to speak up, I must have say it’s a very brave step. I think it requires immense courage to speak against such crimes.”

Urging women to speak up on harassment, he said, “We’re progressing and growing then why not work towards making the world free of sexual abuse and harassment.

If you notice/experience anything that’s not favourable, or if someone tries to abuse or harass you please speak up.”

“By keeping quiet you’re encouraging the culprit to continue with what he does. If today god forbid it’s you, tomorrow it would be someone else,” he added.

The actor further asserted that harassment should be taught in schools across the globe.

“What pains me is that still there’s a major section of women that don’t speak up. They are quiet due to some or the other pressure. I’m not entirely sure, but I heard Sindh education and Literacy Department is going to introduce a chapter on harassment which shall be taught in schools. It is indeed the need of the hour and I hope it get implemented worldwide.”
Calling women the torch bearers of tomorrow, he said, “I feel, we must empower women to speak up against a crime they’ve been subjected to. Instead of putting allegations on them, trolling them, we must be empathetic towards them. Help them heal. Help them come out in the open and nab the culprits. Help the world become free of any abuse and harassment. Women are the torch bearers of tomorrow.”

He concluded with the lines of renowned urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, saying, “Bol, ke lab azaad hai tere, bol, zabaan ab tak teri hai...”