#MeToo Pakistani Moment: Social Media for Taboo Activism

Abstract

Social Media platforms are providing opportunities to the users to talk about the stigmatized issues of the society. Recently sexual harassment, abuse and assault were highlighted around the globe by using hash tag Me Too (#metoo). Women all around the world described their stories of sexual abuse and harassment via twitter. It was an attempt to raise awareness and talk about this issue of sexual abuse and harassment, which was otherwise considered a taboo in a typical society like Pakistan. In case of Pakistan, sexual harassment, assault and abuse of women were never in limelight till the Me Too movement. Pakistani women from different walks of life came forward and shared their stories on twitter. Me Too movement generated debate on the issue of sexual abuse in Pakistan and there were talks in mainstream media also to deal it. Pakistani politicians, civil society activists, media personalities and common people were very charged for a short period of time on this issue of sexual. Unfortunately, soon these voices were forgotten. There were voices in favor of those who raised their voice against sexual abuse but there were also people who blamed the victims for remaining silent that many years and put the blame on the victims. This paper will try to examine the rise and fall of Me Too movement in Pakistan through content analysis. It will also try to look at the possibilities and challenges created through Me Too movement for Taboos Activism in Pakistan.