Pakistani actor Ayesha Omar recently shared her insights into the challenges faced by women in the country, highlighting her personal experiences with harassment from a young age. During a discussion on the Adnan Faisal Podcast, Ms. Omar expressed deep concerns about the lack of safe public spaces for women in Pakistan, particularly the feeling of insecurity on streets and thoroughfares. She revealed her apprehension and constant unease, stating that she no longer feels safe in her homeland.
“I don’t feel safe anymore. I want to be able to walk on the road. It’s a fundamental human need to be able to walk outdoors freely. Can the women in your office walk on the road? Isn’t that sad? I don’t want to rely on a car. I want to cycle. Why can’t I ride a bike?” Ms. Omar voiced on the podcast, according to The Express Tribune.
The actor also underscored the difficulty men face in comprehending the constant fear and anxiety experienced by women daily. “Men can never understand what Pakistani women grow up with,” she remarked. “As much as you try, you can’t. Because that fear that a woman has in this country – yes, those with daughters may understand. Being in a woman’s shoes and understanding that is impossible. You are anxious every moment.”
Ms. Omar shared her personal encounter with harassment, recalling an incident when her neighbor’s chauffeur inappropriately touched her. She emphasized that the right to move freely and without fear is a basic entitlement for all individuals. Despite living in affluent areas, she expressed feeling unsafe, noting that the only time she felt secure walking outdoors was during the Covid lockdown.
“When will the day come when I can roam freely in my own country?” she questioned. “Without the fear of abduction, without the fear of assault, without the fear of robbery. It’s a fundamental human need: freedom and safety,” she continued.
The Pakistani actor advocated for a transformation in societal norms, calling for the creation of an environment where people, especially women, can walk freely on the streets. Despite acknowledging the presence of crime worldwide, she lamented the challenges faced by women in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for safe public spaces. “We can go to enclosed places, but not everyone has access to these essential spaces,” she concluded.
