Recently, actress Nadia Jamil came forward to share her harrowing story of sexual abuse.
In doing so, she was instrumental in starting a dialogue around sexual abuse. Moreover, she laid emphasis on the fact that abuse is never the victim’s fault.
When I sexually abused it ws by my Kari Sahab, my Driver & then by a highly educated elite families son. Now a happily married business man in London. It’s across the board. Men abuse across the board. My family still wants me to stay silent. But the shame IS NOT MINE! Never ever
— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) January 13, 2018
I never told anyone. One time I told Aba. When I told Aba about the Kari, he gave it to him and fired him.
It’s not easy to talk when one is young and lost. Easier to judge ?⚖️
— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) January 14, 2018
With Nadia being one of the more notable personalities stepping forward regarding this issue, it’s important to appreciate others who have the courage to do the same. To come forward boldly in a society like ours is a tall order. However, women like Imaan Hazari, Maheen Khan, and Frieha Altaf are now raising their voices too.
Shireen Mazari’s daughter is known to be bold and upfront. Therefore, without holding back, Imaan Mazari bravely shared her story on Twitter…
My parents never kept male help in our home. Even to learn the Quran, I was sent to a lady tutor. Everytime I had any sort of tuition, my father would enter & leave the room at regular intervals. My parents had the talk w/ my brother & I. DESPITE ALL THIS, (1)
— ایمان زینب (@ImaanZHazir) January 13, 2018
…highlighting just how traumatic the experience was.
In my PRIVATE school,my 4th grade FEMALE English teacher took me 2 an empty classroom,told me 2 lift up my shirt so she could check 4 chicken pox,out of the blue.She said when we got back 2 class,if any1 asks where I was I shd tell them I was in trouble 4 nt doing my homework (2)
— ایمان زینب (@ImaanZHazir) January 13, 2018
I felt so strange that day.I went home and was rude to my parents, who continued to ask me what was wrong. Up until 2 years ago, I still hadn't told them what happened that day.I cant even begin to imagine what has happened to other children in this country. No where is safe (3)
— ایمان زینب (@ImaanZHazir) January 13, 2018
Imaan’s story makes it clear that abuse can happen anywhere. Moreover, it can be perpetrated by anyone. Those closest to you may, in fact, be dangerous. Additionally, there will always be people who abuse their authority.
Designer Maheen Khan also came forward and shared how she has been sexually abused a Maulvi.
She, too, took to Twitter to share the incident.
#childabuse #saynotochildabuse #metoo The Maulvi who came to teach me the Quran abused me sexually .I froze in fear day after day .
Share in support of children subjected to the sick acts ..by so called custodians of our religion— Maheen Khan (@Maheenkhanpk) January 14, 2018
Joining in with the wave of women exposing their abusers through the globally spread #MeToo movement, Maheen let her story be known. She talked about freezing up in fear after the day of the incident – a phenomenon common amongst many survivors. However, her intention behind sharing her incident was to support the victims of abuse.
Renowned PR maven Frieha Altaf also spoke up on Twitter.
I was sexually abused by our cook at age 6. My parents took action but everyone remained silent as if it was my shame. At 34 I realised how it had impacted my life.the only shame is keeping SILENT #ChildAbuse #shame #NoMoreChildAbuse #MeToo #JusticeForZainab #HowToStopChildAbuse
— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) January 14, 2018
She talked about how she had been sexually abused by her cook when she was 6. She emphasized on the fact that there’s no shame in being abused.
The women have since received much appreciation…
Thank you to these brave brave women who have the courage to tell their stories. More power to you ??@NJLahori @FriehaAltaf @Maheenkhanpk
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) January 15, 2018
…and empathy for coming forward with their stories.
Heart dents? everytime I hear of abuse.It’s v brave of u @FriehaAltaf and @NJLahori to be speaking out, giving courage and support to other victims. The shame is not your’s, it is our society’s, that you had to suffer in silence. Kudos for speaking out #NoMoreChildAbuse https://t.co/rNENxuNs82
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) January 14, 2018
Their stories have also spread worldwide, having received coverage on international publications.
So the world knows,Pakistani women can also speak out loud,clear & without fear
Speak up 2 #stopchildabuse
Speak up 2 free men/women from desensitising patriarchal roles,abuse
Speak up 4 #ChildrensRights
Choose Empathyhttps://t.co/rwstwisZWM@Maheenkhanpk@FriehaAltaf
✊❤️?— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) January 17, 2018
With this conversation finally happening, we can look forward to a Pakistan where we need not lose more young girls to talk about sexual abuse. It’s highly unfortunate that so many people live with their stories buried deep within. We can never erase the scars. However, we can work towards some form of healing.
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Actress Nadia Jamil Sharing Her Experience Of Being Abused Is Encouraging Others To Come Forward