Actress Komal meer has said that the ‘Me Too’ campaign – which was launched globally to give voice to women facing harassment – was unfortunately misused in Pakistan.
Speaking at a promotional event for her upcoming television drama Gonj, the actress addressed the need for raising awareness about workplace harassment and the importance of understanding the legal protections available in Pakistan.
“Instead of highlighting the real issues, the ‘Me Too’ movement in Pakistan was misused by certain individuals for personal gains,” she said. “This not only weakened the impact of the campaign but also overshadowed the voices of real survivors.”
The play Gonj, produced for a private television channel, revolves around the challenges women face in professional environments, including verbal abuse and harassment.
According to Komal meer, the storyline aims to spark public discourse on these sensitive issues and encourage women to seek redress through legal means.
“My character in Gonj is of a woman who confronts workplace harassment head-on and decides to take legal action,” she explained. “Through this journey, she becomes an example for others, showing that justice is possible.”
The actress added that she herself only recently came to fully understand the scope of workplace harassment laws in Pakistan. “Unfortunately, a vast majority of people, especially women, remain unaware of their legal rights. This drama aims to fill that gap in public knowledge.”
She further lamented that in Pakistani society, women often remain silent in the face of abuse due to fear, societal pressure or shame. “Our drama encourages women to raise their voices, not only for themselves but for others who may not be able to speak up.”
Gonj is expected to premiere later this month. Its makers say the drama is not just a work of fiction but a social narrative meant to educate viewers and bring attention to a matter that is often brushed under the rug.
The Me Too movement gained international traction in 2017, encouraging women to share their experiences of sexual harassment and misconduct. In Pakistan, the campaign sparked conversations, but also faced backlash and allegations of false accusations, leading to public scepticism.
