Anoushey Ashraf is a Pakistani actress, model, and a VJ. She started her career in 2012 and has since been a constant fixture in Pakistani showbiz circles.
The 37-year-old is the epitome of hustle and bustle. But her fans never knew that she also had to face sexual harassment during her career.
Anoushey started her journey as a VJ with a show on MTV Pakistan. She has also worked for big-name brands as a model. She also owns a clothing brand and has made her mark as a designer.
Recently, she took to her Twitter account, and revealed an incident of sexual harassment that left her shattered. Following the notion that ‘rapists rape people, not outfits’, the star wrote:
The ONE time I had my behind pinched at the market was when I was covered from head to toe, dupatta on, zero makeup and oil in my hair…RAPISTS rape people, not outfits. Save the behayai rant for another day please. Stop deviating and victim blaming! #MotorwayIncident
The ONE time I had my behind pinched at the market was when I was covered from head to toe, dupatta on, zero makeup and oil in my hair…RAPISTS rape people, not outfits. Save the behayai rant for another day please. Stop deviating and victim blaming! #MotowayIncident
— Anoushey Ashraf (@Anoushey_a) September 13, 2020
Her tweet prompted other victims of sexual harassment to share their own stories and experiences.
I'd recently returned from Hajj so was obviously influenced: abaya, hijab, no make-up, eyes down, with parents.
Went into a shop and was coming out when an old man pinned me to a pillar while crossing me and rubbed his privates against my back.
I cringe thinking about it 🤮— mahnoor. (@sadgirldreary) September 15, 2020
I was in grade 6 or 7, I went with my mom to buy Eid shoes,the shop was overcrowded. I felt something brush against my behind but ignored it. When I bent over to try a shoe, the shopkeeper grabbed ny butt. I immediately left shop and didn't buy Eid shoes that Eid. I was 13
— Saniya (@sania_akhan) September 14, 2020
Showing her support for those who shared their personal experiences with harassment, Anoushey also took to her Instagram account to start an initiative. Through Believe Women, the VJ plans on spreading awareness and bringing to light the grave reality women in our society have to deal with.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFMNHsqnxDN/
We think sharing experiences as such takes a lot of courage, and we applaud Anoushey Ashraf for taking this initiative.
Have anything to add? Let us know in the comments section.
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