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‘Aapas ki Batain’ — break the silence
Given the educational level and the social set-up of our society, it is not surprising that a large proportion of the population in Pakistan is unaware of the importance of education, health and hygiene. We are also in the habit of shelving any discourse or discussion related to sex, family planning, etc, by branding it as a taboo. This practice has resulted in giving rise to a host of problems, as people are not aware of many situations that directly affect their lives. For the well-being of the population, in general, and women especially young girls, in particular, it is imperative to break the silence and educate the people in matters that affect them the most.
Tehrik-i-Niswan is a body that has been working on women’s rights for over two decades, raising awareness about the status of women in society and bringing about a change in social attitudes as well. It is with the aim to highlight issues related to adolescent reproductive health that a series of six short videos have been produced titled Aapas ki Batain for the World Population Foundation’s (WPF) Adolescent Development Project. These plays focus on issues such as early marriage, family planning, sexually transmitted diseases, child sexual abuse and myths regarding adolescence. The aim of these videos is to try to break the inhibitions of the people regarding the taboo subject of sex, and to counter the myths and misconceptions about many aspects of such behaviour.
Some members of other NGOs who had seen the videos earlier were asked to come on stage and express their views. Unfortunately, despite Sheema’s constant reminders, they preferred talking more about their respective organizations rather than the videos. The audience seemed disturbed and some even left
The launching ceremony of the series was held early this week at the FTC Auditorium in Karachi, where four of the six videos were shown. At the beginning of the programme, Sheema Kirmani recited a poem, rather a prayer by Rabindranath Tagore, where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. Later, Chris Wardle, Country Representative of the WPF, Pakistan, gave a brief introduction of the videos.
The videos shown were Saadia Bari Ho Gai (‘Saadia grows up’), depicting the problems and traumas young girls face when they reach puberty, and how the family and teachers can help. Age-old myths regarding menstruation are also discussed. Sakina Parhay Gi (‘Sakina must study’) presents the courage of a mother who stands up to support her young daughter’s wish to study and protect her from being married off at a very young age. She is supported by her young son in opposing the young girl’s grandfather against the custom of early marriage. Mardangi ka Taqaza (‘A question of masculinity’) shows how the life of a newly-wed couple is made difficult by relatives and friends when they decide not to have children immediately after marriage. The effects of having many children on the health of the mother (and the children after their birth), as well as the right of a woman to choose the method of family planning is also highlighted, along with the responsibility of men in this regard. Phaans (‘Splinter’) deals with the issue of paedophilia and its far-reaching psychological effects on the victim. The importance of parental guidance is also highlighted.
After the screening of the videos, some members of other NGOs who had seen them earlier were asked to come on stage and express their views. Unfortunately, despite Sheema’s constant reminders, they preferred talking more about their respective organizations rather than the videos. The audience seemed disturbed and some even left, a sad twist to an otherwise interesting evening.
Of the two videos that were not shown to the audience, Nasir ki Pareshani (‘Nasir’s dilemma’) deals with the dilemma of a young boy who, on reaching adolescence, falls victim to guilt. Choti si Ghalti (‘A small mistake’) tackles the issue of sexually transmitted diseases, specially HIV/Aids. It also clarifies many misconceptions about the ways a person may contract HIV/Aids.
Written and directed by Anwer Jafri with Sheema Kirmani as the executive director, the videos are well produced, using theatre techniques to convey educational and instructive information. Simple every-day language has been used to make the message clear. The viewers can identify with the characters as they are from among us. The stories are well-written and care has been taken that the video does not turn into a lecture or a sermon. The actors are mostly members of the Tehrik-i-Niswan theatre group and have performed well.
The dialogue is in Urdu with English subtitles and dubbing. Plans are to produce Pushto and Sindhi versions as well, which, it is hoped, will help to carry the message to a wider audience.
The series is a good effort to make people aware of the issues facing them, and to make them realize that silence is not a solution as it only aggravates the problem. The only way is to discuss and find solutions. It is high time that we break the wall of silence and engage in open discourse. The people, specially the younger generation, has to be taught, to be made aware of the realities of life which have far-reaching effects on their lives.
It is important that the videos are used as an educational tool and shown at various platforms to the people who need them the most — illiterate or semi-literate middle and lower-class urban settings and rural areas where lack of education and adherence to age-old traditions and customs govern lives, and where access to information is limited. They can and should also be shown at the high school and college level so as to equip young people with the tools to live better lives and take sensible and wise decision regarding their life and health.
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