So two or three days back, I came across an article on one of the English Newspapers in Pak. It was mainly about this initiative by the Punjab Govt to make 6 women only parks with facilities of gym and other sports. The security personnel inside would be females too.
Is segregation a good solution to gender/sexual harrassment in general? What are your views on this?
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
segregation leads to a sense of isolation and deprivation among men. so no, it's NOT a solution...it's like ducking the core-issue. the answer is to make tougher legislations and/or to prosecute the offenders to the fullest extent of the existing law. deterrence by punishment is the way to go! :)
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
^but how would one define the limits of harassment and how can such legislation be implemented effectively?
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
It is like putting a band-aid over the real issue -gender/sexual harassment instead of treating it.
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
^but how would one define the limits of harassment and how can such legislation be implemented effectively?
this can be debated in the parliaments with Islamic shar'ia in mind.
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
It is like putting a band-aid over the real issue -gender/sexual harassment instead of treating it.
yea, like the BAN on 'double sawaarii" on motorbikes to curb targeted killings in Pakistan by the genius ReHman Malik! lol
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
this can be debated in the parliaments with Islamic shar'ia in mind.
Does one really need Sharia to define sexual harassment? Cause we don't want to force women to wear Burqas like Saudia does.
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
I agree. I was thinking over this. It's true in Pak, women generally complain a lot about lack of facilities and gender harassment in public places esp parks.
A lot of people are happy that at least this is an initiative to let women enjoy sports and recreation equally without being conscious or worried about ogling men. Dress code and the usual morality norms in the conservative society like we have in Pakistan provide very less opportunities for women to generally involve themselves in sporty activities.
Is the legislation at fault or the innate thinking of people around who still have this embedded in their minds that a women's place is at home?
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
Does one really need Sharia to define sexual harassment? Cause we don't want to force women to wear Burqas like Saudia does.
i thought the harrasment was against women in a male-dominated society so men need to be reigned in...sharia laws can deal with them effectively...women in Islam are required to wear Hijaab, NOT burq'a!
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
this can be debated in the parliaments with Islamic shar'ia in mind.
yes, that is ok. But let's bring the Asian culture in our minds first rather than religion. I always feel culture plays a more important part in denying women these rights.
Also people are afraid of reporting to authorities. in real life, how often would you see an average woman in Pakistan having the nerve to report to the authorities that she's been groped, touched inappropriately or what.
This is the hardest part. DEFINING what we mean by harassment. It's such a variable term.
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
Would she need witnesses to report she was groped?
It's hard to change the mindset of people. Education is key.
Segregation is good for now because it gives women some peace of mind without having to worry about creepy stares.
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
I agree. I was thinking over this. It's true in Pak, women generally complain a lot about lack of facilities and gender harassment in public places esp parks.
A lot of people are happy that at least this is an initiative to let women enjoy sports and recreation equally without being conscious or worried about ogling men. Dress code and the usual morality norms in the conservative society like we have in Pakistan provide very less opportunities for women to generally involve themselves in sporty activities.
Is the legislation at fault or the innate thinking of people around who still have this embedded in their minds that a women's place is at home?
This might have been a smart solution in the Middle East where the governments have access to unlimited financial resources. However in Pakistan, where the government is strapped on cash and recreational facilities can be counted on the fingers of one hand, building parks exclusively for women alienates the men. Are there enough mixed gender parks for men? The answer is NO. This is nothing but a cheap stunt to please the religious fanatics.
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
how high can you build the walls ;)
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
segregation leads to a sense of isolation and deprivation among men. so no, it's NOT a solution..
So just because it could lead to more tharki pana amongst men, we should avoid segregation?
Re: The solution to gender harassment - segregation
^exactly my point.
even in the west, few women would actually prefer going to unisex gyms, swimming pools etc. Segregation helps us maintain our modesty according to the Islamic law.
Coming to people's mindset, I agree with slims that is hard to change. Also in Pakistan, a number of factors are there that lead to women being less verbal about any harassment they have been a victim of.
It's hard to approach law enforcing authorities. Too cumbersome protocol. Secondly, many people get away with sifarish with the higherups and fear of a backfire also keeps people quiet over such matters.