MeToo movement in Pakistan

The #MeToo movement in Pakistan is inspired by the global #MeToo movement and emerged in late 2018 within Pakistani society. It has served as a catalyst for fostering a more inclusive, grassroots movement tailored to local contexts, aiming to encompass all social strata, including the most marginalised. Following the tragic rape and murder of 7-year-old Zainab Ansari in January 2018, there was a surge of declarations on Pakistani social media echoing the #MeToo sentiment. Zia Ahmed Awan, Pakistan's national commissioner for children and founder of the women’s helpline, reported that 93% of women in Pakistan experience some form of sexual violence in public throughout their lives.

Journalist Naila Inayat highlights that in Pakistan, women are "damned if they speak, damned if they don't." The majority of sexual harassment incidents remain unreported, as those who choose to come forward often face abuse and judgment regarding their character and morality. Regardless of the #MeToo movement, it is typically the victim who bears the shame and blame in Pakistan, leading many to suffer in silence. Farah Amjad notes that the #MeToo movement in Pakistan "has struggled to make an impact in a deeply patriarchal country." However, a new generation of feminists is actively advocating for change in the prevailing circumstances.