Let’s be honest with ourselves – women face harassment when they’re out on the streets.
How many times have you heard women talk about being catcalled, or being stared down at signals? Or how about hearing the same from women who use public transport? Harassment is unfortunately all too common.
Whether women are walking, on a bike or driving, facing harassment is something they, unfortunately, have to bear in Pakistan.
However, more and more women seem to be taking a stand against this. Be it taking to the streets to reclaim public spaces or by recording instances of harassment, women are not staying silent any longer.
Manal Khan is one such woman. She recorded a motorcyclist following her and her friend while they were traveling. She uploaded the following video in a Facebook post:
Posted by Manal Khan on Montag, 28. August 2017
Moreover, she included the following text explaining the incident:
The entire incident is beyond appalling. What’s more unfortunate is that the two women had to resort to taking a video of the man, which is when he put on his helmet to protect his identity. Moreover, he is still seen to linger after one of the women starts filming him.
Perhaps the most shocking fact is that this is taking place in broad daylight.
People who came across this instance of harassment were absolutely horrified
The disgust they felt was made obvious through their comments
Others were expecting people to chime in with alternate scenarios and explanations
Some could, unfortunately, relate to the incident of harassment
And some talked about how they could empathize because they had gone through the same
Some even shared how they were glad that the woman was speaking up
Others could not contain their anger
However, the embarrassment and anger reflected in the comments were shared by all who came across the post
It is unfortunate that this incident took place in the first place. However, it’s a relief to see that the victims are standing up against the harassment. Hopefully, this scares away enough harassers to ensure such things do not happen again and again.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments.
Cover image via globalpolitico.com