Aligarh: The Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall of Aligarh Muslim University organized an interactive awareness session, ‘Empower & Educate,’ on harassment, legal rights and the importance of breaking silence, in collaboration with the Internal Complaints Committee.

The Presiding Officer of ICC, Prof Samina Khan underscored the importance of breaking the silence against any form of harassment, stating that “AMU is committed to zero tolerance towards sexual harassment.” She used a PowerPoint presentation to educate the female residents about registering complaints and encouraged active participation in combating harassment.

She also highlighted the objectives of the ICC which have been evolved based on prevention, prohibition and redressal of harassment. She emphasized that ICC is not merely a complaint agency but also functions as a counselling centre, offering solutions to the challenges faced by the victims.

She said that sexual harassment is not limited to physical acts but includes verbal, mental, visual, emotional and cyber-related offences, and also encompasses discriminatory behaviours that demoralize individuals on a gender basis.

An ICC member, Prof Roomana N Siddiqui highlighted the importance of laws protecting women and the role of upbringing in fostering resilience. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and not compromising on non-negotiable values.

The Provost of the hall and also a member of the ICC, Prof Asiya Choudhary shared insights from her student days when such laws were not in force. She urged the students to be aware of their rights, assertive in their opinions, and genuine in their approach. She also cautioned them against the misuse of laws or making hasty decisions.

Earlier, welcoming the guest speakers, the Senior Hall Monitor, Amina Irshad highlighted the importance of such programmes.

A Nukkad Natak, titled "Bolne se Kya Hoga", highlighting various forms of physical, mental and emotional harassment, was also staged, followed by an interactive Q&A session.

The event concluded with a group photo session and the screening of a thought-provoking movie, ‘Thappad’.