By Falah
In a world where women’s safety remains a pressing issue, the involvement of men in fostering a
culture of protection and equality is crucial. Men, as allies and community leaders, play a pivotal
role in challenging stereotypes and ensuring that women feel secure in both public and private
spaces. Yet, while many examples of positive male engagement exist, there are also instances
where poor practices have further endangered women, underscoring the need for a balanced
approach.
Globally and in Pakistan, there are shining examples of men stepping up to support women’s
safety. In some communities in Lahore, male-led neighborhood watch groups have been
instrumental in reducing instances of street harassment. One such initiative reported a 20% drop
in public harassment incidents after local men took active measures to patrol busy streets and
support victims by intervening or providing safe transport options. Similarly, in several European
cities, programs like MenEngage and Promundo have successfully mobilized men to educate
their peers on respectful behavior and active bystander intervention. These initiatives have not
only helped lower crime statistics but also shifted cultural attitudes, fostering a sense of shared
responsibility for women’s safety.
Equally significant are examples closer to home. In Karachi, a group of male colleagues
launched a “safe zone” campaign on public transport, advocating for immediate intervention
during instances of harassment. This grassroots effort has been recognized for its impact on
reducing reported cases of abuse during commutes and for encouraging other men to adopt
proactive stances in their daily lives. Furthermore, after targeted workshops in Islamabad focused
on consent and challenging toxic masculinity, nearly 75% of participating men reported feeling
more confident in stepping in when witnessing harassment—a promising sign of the growing
influence of these educational efforts.
However, the picture is not uniformly positive. In contrast, there are numerous instances where
men’s actions have contributed to an environment that compromises women’s safety. Bad
practices often emerge from deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes and a reluctance to intervene
in cases of harassment. For example, there have been widely reported cases where male
bystanders in public spaces have either ignored or even participated in the harassment of women,
reinforcing a culture of silence and complicity. In some urban areas, such behavior has led to a
significant underreporting of crimes, as victims feel that even their peers are unlikely to offer
help. Additionally, in certain corporate environments, some male colleagues have been complicit
in ignoring workplace harassment, which has perpetuated a toxic culture that discourages women
from voicing their concerns or seeking help.
These contrasting practices highlight that while positive interventions can transform societal
attitudes and reduce harassment, negative behaviors not only undermine women’s safety but also
reinforce harmful stereotypes. The challenge lies in promoting and scaling up successful
practices while addressing and reforming those behaviors that contribute to an unsafe
environment.
Ultimately, the responsibility to create a safe and respectful society falls on everyone, and men
have a unique role in shaping this future. By learning from the good practices observed both in
Pakistan and globally, and by actively working to dismantle the harmful behaviors that continue
to plague our communities, men can become true allies in the quest for safety and equality. Every
small action—be it stepping in during a potentially dangerous situation, supporting policies that
protect women’s rights, or simply engaging in conversations that challenge the status quo—adds
up to a larger movement that can bring about lasting change.
By Falah