From Classrooms to Courtrooms: The Fight Against Sexual Harassment in Kashmir’s Universities

**Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions of Pakistani-Administered Jammu and Kashmir: The Problem, Its Effects, and Steps Toward a Solution**
**Establishment of Anti-Harassment Committees – A Necessity of the

Respect for human rights in Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir has eroded to an alarming extent. This region, often referred to as a “base camp,” has, in reality, become a prison—especially for women, who are increasingly subjected to harassment and abuse. Numerous incidents of harassment against women have come to light, but what is even more concerning is that the majority of such cases go unreported and never reach the public eye.

In recent days, the Joint Awami Action Committee took to the streets in Mirpur after women raised their voices against harassment by a Station House Officer (SHO) and an additional judge. This courageous action forced the perpetrators to face consequences, but it also highlighted the systemic issues that plague our society.

In this region, there are nearly half a dozen universities where female students face severe sexual, mental, and economic exploitation. Harassment of women students is rampant, and it is imperative to address this issue head-on. The viral nature of recent incidents in Mirpur underscores the urgent need to prepare robust strategies to combat this trend. Understanding the dynamics of harassment in educational institutions is crucial to finding effective solutions.

The Problem: A Culture of Silence and Impunity
Educational institutions and universities, which are supposed to be centers of knowledge and research, have unfortunately become hubs of sexual harassment. This is a problem that requires not only the attention of educational administrators but also collective action at the societal level to acknowledge its severity and implement solutions.

Universities and colleges are places where young people lay the foundation for their academic, professional, and personal lives. However, the increasing incidents of sexual harassment in these institutions are negatively impacting students’ mental well-being and academic performance. These incidents not only cause severe psychological stress for the victims but also damage the reputation of the institutions.

Sexual harassment takes various forms, including verbal, physical, and psychological abuse, all of which have serious consequences. Most complaints of harassment involve women and vulnerable groups, who often receive little to no support from the social structure or even the administration.

The Effects: Shattered Lives and Broken Dreams
The impact of sexual harassment extends far beyond the immediate trauma. When a student faces sexual harassment, the effects ripple through their personal life and academic performance.

The first and most significant damage is the loss of confidence. Educational institutions, which are supposed to be safe spaces, become sources of fear and anxiety for victims. Students who experience harassment often suffer from mental stress, anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-esteem. Their academic performance declines as they struggle to focus on their studies amidst the emotional turmoil.

Secondly, the social lives of victims are also affected. They tend to isolate themselves from friends and peers, fearing judgment or further harassment. Many victims hesitate to report incidents, fearing retaliation or damage to their reputation.

The failure to prevent sexual harassment also tarnishes the reputation of educational institutions. Universities and schools that pride themselves on being centers of learning and research lose credibility when such incidents come to light. This not only affects the internal environment of the institution but also creates a negative perception in the outside world.

Moreover, the prevalence of sexual harassment reflects the weaknesses in the entire educational system. When such issues are not reported or investigated, it indicates a failure in the rule of law and institutional governance. Victims often avoid filing complaints because they believe justice will not be served or their voices will not be heard.

The Solution: A Call for Comprehensive Policies
This situation highlights the need for comprehensive policies to address sexual harassment in educational institutions. Institutions must educate their students and staff about the different aspects of sexual harassment and the preventive measures they can take. Additionally, a transparent and secure system for reporting harassment must be established so that victims can file complaints without fear.

To prevent sexual harassment, the administration of universities and educational institutions must play an active role. This includes conducting prompt investigations into harassment cases, providing legal assistance to victims, and fostering an environment where every individual is treated with dignity and equality.

Sexual harassment is not just a legal or administrative challenge; it is a matter of social justice, equality, and human rights. Until sexual harassment is eradicated from these institutions, they cannot truly provide a safe and conducive environment for learning.

In recent years, numerous cases of sexual harassment have been reported in universities across Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Every day, new scandals make headlines in the media. Last month, Kotli University became the center of intense media attention due to such incidents. The continuous occurrence of these cases underscores the gravity of the issue and the urgent need for solutions.

However, there is a silver lining. The successful efforts of the Joint Awami Action Committee in Mirpur, where women protested against harassment by an SHO and a judge, have brought about significant change. This struggle not only raised voices against harassment but also gave a new dimension to gender issues in a patriarchal society. It is a positive step that has brought this critical issue to the forefront and highlighted the importance of women’s rights.

Now is the time for female students in all educational institutions across Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir—particularly in universities like Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Bagh—to play their part in this struggle. Anti-harassment committees should be established in these institutions, supervised by female students themselves. These committees should not be limited to registering complaints but should also be linked to broader class struggles within educational institutions to create a dynamic and effective environment for addressing the issue.

If such committees are established promptly, they will not only serve as an effective tool against sexual harassment but will also raise awareness about women’s rights in educational institutions. This will enable female students to support each other and play a crucial role in making educational institutions harassment-free.

International Women’s Day: A Platform for Change
March 8, International Women’s Day, is celebrated worldwide as an important occasion to highlight women’s rights, equality, and gender justice. This day provides an opportunity to emphasize the struggle for women’s rights and the need to improve their living conditions at the societal level.

Celebrating this day in educational institutions is crucial because it not only raises awareness about women’s rights but also sends a strong message that educational institutions are committed to providing equal opportunities and protection for women. Universities and other educational institutions can organize special events, workshops, and seminars to educate women about their rights and inform them about serious issues like sexual harassment.

Through this day, efforts are made to strengthen women socially and raise awareness about their rights. Additionally, the goal is to eliminate gender disparities in educational institutions and create an environment where women can live safely and freely, pursuing their educational and professional lives to the fullest.

This initiative will not only be a step against sexual harassment but will also provide a strong and coordinated foundation for the struggle for women’s rights and their protection. Through this, we can create an educational environment where women can continue their education safely and freely, defending their rights with confidence.

The fight against sexual harassment in educational institutions is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue that demands collective action. The recent protests in Mirpur, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, demonstrate the power of organized resistance and the importance of standing in solidarity with victims.

As we approach International Women’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to creating a society where women can pursue their education and dreams without fear. Let us break the silence, challenge the status quo, and build a future where justice and equality are not just ideals but realities.

The time for action is now. Our educational institutions must become safe havens for learning, free from the shadows of harassment and abuse. Only then can we truly claim to be a society that values and respects the dignity of every individual.

Shah Nawaz Ali Sher, Advocate
High Court, Member, Joint Awami Action Committee
Nakyal, Kotli, Jammu and Kashmir