Time and again, we shy away from the concept of sex education. It’s a conversation we don’t necessarily like to have. We go so far as to say that it’s an indecent conversation altogether. However, we forget what sex education entails and how important it can be.
Moreover, we overlook just how many lives it can save. That is the exact issue Pakistanis are taking up.
After Zainab’s murder, Pakistanis took to social media and the streets to voice their outrage
However, they did so with a few messages in mind. Not only did they wish to seek justice for Zainab, they also wanted to spread awareness about sexual abuse.
Mohammad Jibran Nasir shared his thoughts on the same on Twitter.
"Talk about sexual abuse – Break the taboo" Students, teachers, media persons and activists all gathered today at Karachi Press Club demanding protection for children through awareness and strict implementation of laws. #JusticeForZainab #JusticeForFaizan#JusticeForAllChildren pic.twitter.com/DCRBhn7HDB
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) January 11, 2018
As did renowned singer, Shehzad Roy.
1 Today I will blame all those closed minded people who stop school refrom introducing life skill education,which empowers children with information about good/ bad touch,sexual abuse n what 2 do in such situations.Criminal lobbies block this curriculum caling it“sex education”
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) January 10, 2018
Other Pakistanis also started asking for the promotion of sex education.
Sex education should be promoted in every school of Pakistan, we all are fed up with these heinous & brutal killings of our children. Besides, Molvi fatwa's & interruption will not be tolerated anymore in this matter ?
— Moomal (@momalbaloch1) January 11, 2018
While some sarcastically denounced the mindset that prevented people from seeking this important knowledge.
Let's not talk about sex education because we don't actually want to solve anything.
— Ranting Pakistani (@RantsPakistani) January 10, 2018
The idea that sex ed should be made compulsory was also shared.
Still y'll think that sex education isn't necessary in school and colleges? Please tell your children about the right and wrong touches and do tell them about molestation
— Ahmed (@theronaldolad) January 10, 2018
Sex education must be made compulsory by law. Call it #ZainabsLaw. Educate kids about good/bad touch, encourage them to report abuse rather than fear or be shamed. Let #Zainab, in death, be a catalyst for binning our cultural taboos and move forward to protect our children.
— DΛN QΛYYUM (@DanQayyum) January 10, 2018
One Twitter user highlighted the importance of sex ed…
We need to teach parents how not to let people touch their children or hug them against their will as a sign of “good manners”. We need to tell our children it is perfectly all right to deny physical contact to any grown up or peer. #JusticeForZainab
— Nuzhat S. Siddiqi (@guldaar) January 11, 2018
Our society puts so much pressure on children to perform a role of free entertainers for relatives, to be physically and mentally available to the grown ups who want to touch them, hug them and kiss them. It has GOT to stop. Let kids know their bodies are their own.
— Nuzhat S. Siddiqi (@guldaar) January 11, 2018
…while sharing a detailed guide on the same…
Do not touch someone’s child without their consent even if you find them incredibly cute and it is a completely innocent touch. Let them learn the concept of consent from a young age. Ask them. If they say no…lay off.
— Nuzhat S. Siddiqi (@guldaar) January 11, 2018
…taking from personal incidents to show just how important this conversation can be.
I have had to tell relatives to leave my child alone at parties when said child showed reluctance to interact with said relatives. And yes, it is embarrassing and I may come off as authoritarian but I owe it to my child to let them learn about consent & that their say matters.
— Nuzhat S. Siddiqi (@guldaar) January 11, 2018
The need for parents to serve as a guiding light was also highlighted.
Parents, please teach your children about good touch and bad touch. Don’t be shy. Knowledge is power, even for children as young as 4, 5. A helpful link: https://t.co/k9ktWON6uh
— Nuzhat S. Siddiqi (@guldaar) January 11, 2018
Some even let their anger over the matter be known.
A big facepalm on those idiots especially our Sindh Educational Minister who said sex education is against Pakistani and Islamic culture. This is what happens when you don’t teach your children how to protect yourself from strangers and even family members. #JusticeForZainab
— Muhammad Khalid (@iamkhalidraza) January 10, 2018
Our reservations when it comes to such important matters, too, can lead to such huge tragedies. While it’s a bitter pill to swallow, and a huge change to make, it’s one that’s imperative nonetheless. Perhaps, we will have learned from this and will unanimously agree that awareness is truly the first step towards change.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
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