“Rape, is not a crime against a woman, but a crime against our society. It is important for all men to proactively take a stand and work with the women in shifting the mindset of our society. A large number of responsible and sensible men always condemn rape, express solidarity and extend support to women victims of rape and violence, but the important thing for them is to assert and vocalize this position with utmost clarity. It is crucial for more people to take a stand and there is no reason why we cannot rid out our society of this heinous crime against women.”
These views were expressed by the representatives at the launching ceremony of Pakistani Men Against Rape (PMAR) Lahore chapter here Tuesday.
Speaking to media gathered on this occasion, Abdul Khaliq, the Coordinator of the Lahore Chapter said, PMAR members realize the gravity of this heinous crime and want to do something about it. We have decided to join the national campaign against rape already started from Islamabad, he added. He said that men like us have always supported women cause and stood by them. “Rape, I believe, is not a crime against a woman, but a crime against our society. It is important for all men to proactively take a stand and work with the women in shifting the mindset of our society, starting with our selves first”, he added. We have to stop protecting rapists and start holding them accountable. We have to stop blaming women for getting raped. We need to stop using phrases like ‘Izzat lut gaey’ for women who get raped. Why should she lose her Izzat, she did not do anything wrong?, he questioned. It should be the other way around; the rapist should lose his Izzat for committing such henious crime, he asserted.”
Mr. Nadeem Fazil Ayaz, a Senior Advocate who has been working on the issue of Zabarjinsi for years and started ‘War Against Rape’ in Lahore said, “Sensitized men are outraged by the crimes against women and understand the patriarchal system. Not all men are rapist. Men like us are against such crimes and we will now be fully active in fighting the crime. He said every citizen should fight against rape and we all have to support films like #Verna which are brave initiatives. We are civilized men and are joining this forum so that we are not lumped with the aggressive and violent men. I have been fighting against this issue and will continue to do so”, he added.
Mohammad Asger, a senior member of the group said, taking the issue of rape for wider debate is important. “Shoaib Mansoor is a man who has always raised women’s issues. We are inspired by him and his very brave initiative; making of #Verna. No producer would have taken the risk of choosing this topic and making such a clean film that we can comfortably watch with our families.
The PMAR members further told that Pakistan Nari Tehreek, an alliance of women leaders from across the country, have already been working on this issue for a few years now. With Pakistani Men Against Rape joining hands, the work will move ahead with new vigor, they hoped. It is crucial for more people to take a stand and there is no reason why we cannot rid out our society of this heinous crime.