While traveling on a local bus in Kashmir, I found myself seated by the window, observing the scenic beauty that surrounded me. It was a typical day, with the hustle and bustle of daily commuters filling the bus. As the journey progressed, a young girl, perhaps a student in the 8th grade, approached and took the seat beside me. She seemed hesitant but eventually initiated a conversation, sharing her story with an openness that I found both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.

She began by describing her routine school commute. Every day, she boarded the local bus to get to her school, a journey that should have been simple and uneventful. However, for her, it was a source of immense distress. She revealed that during these bus rides, she frequently faced harassment from fellow passengers. This harassment wasn't just an isolated incident but a recurring nightmare that marred her daily travels. 

The trauma she endured during these rides had a profound impact on her ability to concentrate at school. Upon reaching her school, she found it challenging to focus on her studies. Her mind was clouded with the unpleasant experiences she had just gone through. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t shake off the fear and anxiety that gripped her. Unfortunately, she felt that she had no safe space to share her ordeal. The stigma and the fear of not being believed or, worse, being blamed, silenced her cries for help.

In school, her teachers seemed oblivious to the underlying reasons for her lack of concentration and declining performance. Rather than providing support, they blamed her for being inattentive and labeled her as a poor student. This blame sometimes even escalated to bullying, further diminishing her self-esteem and motivation. She confided that she no longer felt interested in going to school. The thought of facing another day of harassment on the bus and criticism in the classroom made her dread each morning. She expressed a strong desire to stay at home, where she felt safe, away from the judgmental eyes of her teachers and the harassers on the bus.

Her story deeply moved me. It was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young girls, not just in Kashmir, but everywhere. The fear and trauma experienced by this young girl should not be a part of any child’s life. It became clear to me that immediate action was necessary to create a safer environment for students like her.

With this in mind, I propose the initiation of self-defense workshops in every school. The primary aim of these workshops would be to empower students with the skills and confidence to protect themselves in uncomfortable and dangerous situations. These workshops would cover basic self-defense techniques, situational awareness, and strategies to deal with harassment. By equipping students with these skills, we can help them feel more secure and confident in their daily lives.

Additionally, these workshops would serve as a platform to educate students about their rights and the importance of speaking out against harassment. Creating a safe and supportive environment where students can share their experiences without fear of judgment is crucial. Schools should foster an atmosphere of empathy and understanding, where students feel heard and supported.

The change we are seeking is not just about physical self-defense; it’s about building a culture of safety and respect. If even one student is saved from trauma and feels safer while traveling or attending school, it will be worth every effort. The initiative aims to ensure that no child has to endure the pain and fear that the young girl on the bus experienced. Every child deserves to feel safe and valued, both in school and in the community.

What happened to this student must not happen to others. It is a collective responsibility to create a safer environment for our children. To achieve this, I am urging everyone to support this cause by signing a petition. Your signature can lead to significant changes, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for every student. 

By signing the petition, you are not just supporting self-defense workshops; you are advocating for a future where students can travel freely and focus on their education without the fear of harassment. Together, we can build a community where every child feels safe and empowered.

InshaAllah, this single step towards initiating self-defense workshops in schools will contribute to making the world a better place. Let us come together to protect and empower our children, ensuring they grow up in a world where they can pursue their dreams without fear. Your support is invaluable in this mission.

 Please sign the petition and be a part of this change.

Sumeera haya