Challenging Stigma: FOSPAH Engages ANF Islamabad on Harassment Awareness and Accountability
Breaking the silence around harassment requires both law and empathy. At the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Office in Islamabad, FOSPAH held an awareness session that underscored the urgent need to dismantle barriers of fear, taboo, and shame that prevent survivors from speaking out. Mr. Waqar A. Malik highlighted the legal dimensions of the 2010 law, emphasizing accountability and protection mechanisms. He addressed the broader mindset of gender-based discrimination that persists in society. He emphasized that equal workplace rights are fundamental to justice and progress, reminding participants that discriminatory attitudes must be challenged alongside legal enforcement. Ms. Hira Tariq drew attention to the emotional realities of harassment and gender-based violence, explaining how societal stigma often silences victims and obstructs justice. Together, these perspectives remind us that ending harassment is not only a matter of legal enforcement but also of cultural transformation. Collective responsibility demands that we challenge silence and create safe spaces for reporting and redress.