Protecting Pakistan’s Precious: A Personal Journey against Child Sexual Abuse
In the bustling heart of Pakistan, a dark and pervasive issue haunts the lives of countless children—child sexual abuse and exploitation. This is not a tale of statistics but a journey through the lives of those affected and those determined to make a difference.
Child Sexual Abuse in Pakistan: Faces and Stories
Every story of child sexual abuse is a story of a stolen childhood. The faces behind these stories are innocent, often silenced by fear and societal norms. Pakistan, like many countries, faces the unsettling reality of children being subjected to unspeakable suffering, often behind closed doors. According to the report by Unicef, Pakistan is considered the most unsafe country for children, while Japan is reported to be the safest for children. Twelve children on average were subjected to sexual abuse every day in Pakistan from January to June 2023, according to a report published on Thursday by Sahil, a non-profit organization that advocates for the protection of children, according to the DAWN newspaper.
One such story that rocked the nation’s conscience is that of Zainab Ansari, a little girl whose life was cut short by a brutal act of violence back in 2019. Her case is a painful reminder that our children remain vulnerable. As a society, we must confront this harsh reality and act to protect our young ones. According to media reports, a four-year-old girl and her mother in Kashmore, in the Sindh province, were detained and sexually abused by several men for days. This is how alarming situations are witnessed daily.
Making Minors Majors: A Personal Commitment to Change
Amidst these heartbreaking tales, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of organizations and individual work. I, as an individual who is very passionate about making a difference in society, am intrigued by such horrific stories, which we hear every day. I recently witnessed an awful incident of incest in which a father was sexually exploiting his son, which was very disturbing for me. That was the point that made me take the first step and start my journey. Making Minors Majors is a non-profit organization. It’s a beacon of light that has inspired me to take a personal stand against child sexual abuse and work with them. I remember the day I first got involved with Making Minors Majors. It wasn’t just another volunteer opportunity. It was a commitment to empower children with knowledge and skills to protect themselves from harassment. The very idea that children can reclaim their power and protect themselves from the unimaginable horror of abuse ignited a fire within me.
My Independent Efforts: Reaching the Vulnerable
In addition to my work with Making Minors Majors, I have ventured independently into this challenging realm. My belief is that child sexual abuse can happen anywhere, and children in orphanages and care homes are also at risk. My mission is to ensure they are not forgotten. Last month, at Pakistan Sweet Home, I had the privilege of interacting with children of different age groups. Through vivid illustrations and heartfelt conversations, we talked about the concepts of good touch and bad touch. The children, inquisitive and receptive, were given the tools to protect themselves and the knowledge to seek help when needed. Another visit to Apna Ghar orphanage, funded by IREX and Global Ugrad, was an eye-opening experience. I engaged with orphaned girls of different age groups, seeking to understand the psychological challenges they faced. We talked about what abuse means and different forms of abuse, providing them with essential strategies and knowledge to safeguard their well-being. In addition to that, we had free talks about how they are treated by the staff in the residence and whether they feel safe around them or not.
I recently connected with Kanwal Tanveer, a Harvard graduate with a focus on child abuse. We share a passion for combating child abuse and exploitation. Her academic background equips us to collaborate in the future in raising awareness and advocating for child protection. Together, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The journey never stops here; my next step is to visit the Edhi Center to meet orphaned children, accompanied by a team of passionate volunteers. We aim to raise awareness about the concepts of abuse and self-protection and to teach the children basic safety skills, ensuring they too can stand strong against exploitation.
A Personal Pledge to Protect Innocence
According to the reports, 54 percent of girls are prone to abuse and exploitation. However, it is our collective responsibility to make them aware of what's going on around them and how to face the situation. In the heart of Pakistan’s fight against child sexual abuse, my journey continues to be deeply personal and profoundly rewarding, and there is a long way to go. Every child I have met, every illustration I have shared, and every lesson I have taught has been a reminder of the power of education and awareness. While the darkness of child sexual abuse may still cast shadows, it is in the stories of resilience and the courage of children that we find our strength to continue. My journey—our journey—is not a solitary one. It is a collective effort. Together, we can make a difference, protect our precious children, and make their innocence a priority. This is my pledge, and I invite you to join hands with me on this vital journey to safeguard the future of Pakistan’s children.
