Adnan Siddiqui encourages women to come forward with their MeToo stories

"We must empower women to speak up against a crime they’ve been subjected to," said the actor

07 Oct, 2018

Adnan Siddiqui has voiced concern regarding sexual harassment in Pakistan and he's encouraging women to come forward with their stories.

In an Instagram post, the star shared, "I’ve recently read about a few cases sexual abuse, harassment, abduction and street crime across the globe. They’ve been on the rise in the last few days."

Citing the recent case of multiple Indian journalists who've been accused of sexual harassment by their female counterparts, Adnan wrote, "There are quite a few female journalists in India who’ve come out and openly spoken about various kinds of abuse they’ve faced or crime they’ve been subjected to. I read some stories on twitter and though I was quiet, it was bothering me."

"I’ve read a few stories about various crimes in Pakistan also recently. While some of them took a really long time to speak up, I must have say it’s a very brave step. I think it requires immense courage to speak against such crimes. We’re progressing and growing then why not work towards making the world free of sexual abuse and harassment?" asked the actor.

He then asked women to speak up if they're in an uncomfortable situation. "If you notice/experience anything that’s not favourable, or if someone tries to abuse or harass you please speak up. By keeping quiet you’re encouraging the culprit to continue with what he does. If today god forbid it’s you, tomorrow it would be someone else. "

But he is more concerned about the women who don't/cannot speak up due to certain pressures which is why he feels women need to be encouraged and empowered to open up about such ordeals.

The actor wrote: I feel, we must empower women to speak up against a crime they’ve been subjected to. Instead of putting allegations on them, trolling them, we must be empathetic towards them. Help them heal. Help them come out in the open and nab the culprits. Help the world become free of any abuse and harassment. Women are the torch bearers of tomorrow. I’m reminded of these lines by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, “Bol, ke lab azaad hai tere, bol, zabaan ab tak teri hai...”

Since the Weinstein harassment case, many women in Pakistan and India have found the courage to come forward with their MeToo stories detailing accounts of sexual harassment at the hands of their friends, colleagues and co-stars including Meesha Shafi, Tanushree Dutta and Kangana Ranaut.

Comments

Alba Oct 07, 2018 06:34pm

That's true. If the women don't speak up nothing will be done about it. The other side of the coin is that women who try to fight back in court spend a few years making court appearances until they are worn down and drop their rape cases.

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MANZOOR H JAFFERY Oct 07, 2018 06:50pm

Unless Pakistani police is answerable to the public no justice in Pakistan Pakistani police is corrupt to the core.

Khalid iqbal Oct 07, 2018 10:38pm

Very good idea, it will help clean up the cinema industry, it’s another type of corruption , that should be brought to an end.

ammar Oct 08, 2018 02:52am

I lost all respect for Adnan Siddiqui when he made a mockery of Meesha Shafi's case against Ali Zafar.

N abidai Oct 08, 2018 06:49am

What is needed is the educated progressive men teach other men the skills , to create a safe, respectful environment for women and stand up for women in real time at work,in school,and at home! Women in Pakistan the one that came out ,should be respected,the discussion is needed and there is work needs to be done on many fronts!, women should educate themselves, be proactive , the lesson from me too movement should be ,do not be a victim,know your rights, know your environment , and learn safety skills!