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4,139 children were sexually abused in 2016, 24% of which were reported in urban areas and 76% in rural areas. These figures rose by nearly 10% in 2017 to 4,553. ‘Is this what children are for?’. Is it for this that a mother carries her child for 9 months? Is it for this that children are raised for?
The recent news of Zainab, a 7-year-old girl from Kasur who was abducted, raped and murdered, has sparked fury and anger amongst individuals within Pakistan and internationally. But this is not the first time something like this has happened in the region or the country. In the region of Kasur itself, there have been at least 12 cases similar to the one of Zainab.
A 15-year-old boy was also sexually abused and strangled to death in Punjab a couple of days ago. These two are just mere examples of children. I emphasize on the world children. Tell me, what is the thinking process of a child. A child wishes to play with toys, with their friends. A child would never imagine something like this happening to them.
Abducted, Raped, then Murdered. Why? Who has given these individuals the right to exploit children like this? Why is it that these pedophiles, these men, are able to have such sadistic thoughts which complement their vile actions when committing these acts? Why is it that a child or a girl is not able to leave the vicinity of their of their own home without having to worry about being attacked or killed? Why is it that we try to play the blame game?
That we try to shut down topics like these because of they aren’t socially acceptable. The reality is that we fear more of what people think rather than about the traumatizing and lasting effect that this event will have on the victim.
Our children need to be protected.
Our children need to be listened to.
Our children need to be educated from a young age on what sex education is.
Our children need to be encouraged to raise their voice.
Our children need to be told that speaking about abuse or sex is not taboo.
Rather than protecting those who have done wrong, it is time to stand up for those who have been wronged, for those who are fighting, because in the end, this is not what our children are for.
