Online harassment is a serious issue that affects people all over the world, including in Pakistan. It can take many forms, such as cyberbullying, stalking, trolling, and the distribution of non-consensual images.
It can have serious consequences for the people who experience it, including emotional distress, fear, and difficulty concentrating or sleeping. If you or someone you know is experiencing online harassment, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that there are resources available to help.
Recently, BBC Urdu reached out to 3 Pakistani females who have completed their PhDs in Australia. While in conversation, these women revealed that the kind of harassment and criticism they received from their own fellow countrymen was shocking.
According to the harassers, a single (alone) woman or someone who is modern, means that the woman’s character is dirty. They believe that the family members have given them permission to roam about freely, without knowing who she hangs out with or where she goes.
In Australia, things are different, no one raises objections to a woman’s clothes, colour, complexion, weight, or height, and no one will ask where you are going, why you are going there, or what business you may have there. Be it any form of transportation, women don’t have to worry about being visually assaulted by men. Everyone is busy with their phones or their own life.
They don’t interfere with your personal business. According to recent stats, there has been a 34% increase in international students that have gone to Australia from Pakistan to pursue their studies, the majority of them being women.
Listen to what these women had to say about the major differences between living in Pakistan and in Australia in the clip below:
There are many forms of harassment that women can face throughout their lives. Some common examples include:
- Verbal harassment: This can include unwanted comments, jokes, or threats.
- Physical harassment: This can include unwanted touching, grabbing, or assault.
- Sexual harassment: This can include unwanted advances or propositions, as well as sexual assault.
- Stalking: This can include repeated, unwanted attention that makes someone feel unsafe or threatened.
- Cyberbullying: This can include online harassment, such as threatening messages or the distribution of non-consensual images.
It is important to remember that harassment is never the victim’s fault, and it is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing harassment, it is important to seek help and support from trusted friends, family, or organizations.
What are your two cents about the increase in harassment against women in Pakistan?
Share them with us in the comments below. Stay tuned to WOW360 for more news and updates.