Meet Tehmeena Rizvi – An Ambassador for the Well-Known #MeToo Campaign from Kashmir

Interview by Mehvish M

Tell us about yourself?

I’m Tehmeena Rizvi. I’m 22 years old. I have completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration and am currently preparing for the civil services examinations. My father is a businessman, and my brother is also involved in the same business with him.

How did you become part of the MeToo campaign?

I have always had the zeal to work for society since childhood. So, I started preparing reports about cases happening in society under this campaign, as it is particularly focused on raising awareness about sexual harassment, eve-teasing and abuse.

Tell us about the MeToo campaign.

The MeToo movement was founded in 2007 by activist Tarana Burke to support victims of sexual assault.

On October 15, in light of the Harvey Weinstein case, actress Alyssa Milano tweeted asking people who had been sexually harassed or assaulted to write “MeToo” so that people could understand the magnitude of the problem. That is how the movement gained widespread attention.

[Insert image: Tehmeena Rizvi]

You are the women ambassador for MeToo from Kashmir. How did that happen?

In Kashmir, it really shocked me that no one came forward for this campaign because many girls here are afraid of society. So, I decided to stand against all odds and fight for it.

I prepared several reports and handed them over to CEEO India officials, who then helped me submit them to the Ministry of Women and Child Development and further to the Prime Minister’s Office.

What’s your job as a women ambassador? Do you meet people who have been harassed? What does it feel like listening to real stories?

As a women ambassador, I observe what is happening in our society. What I have found is that the problem often lies in the kind of society we have and the stereotypical mentality of people.

Yes, I have met people who have been harassed, and it is really shocking to realise that what society appears to be from the outside can be completely different on the inside.

Listening to real stories has often left me in tears, but I always keep one thing in mind — that I have to fight against this.

Tell us one story that brought tears to your eyes.

Stories about the abuse and harassment of school and college-going girls while using public transport, especially during rush hours, have left me in tears.

We are not anybody’s property. Directly or indirectly, women continue to face harassment in society. Sometimes, an inappropriate touch can leave a girl feeling helpless and deeply disturbed.

The government also needs to think seriously about the problems faced by women, particularly young girls.

Moreover, many girls are not even able to communicate their problems to their parents or family members. This is one of the biggest challenges in our society.

There’s no denying the fact that harassment of all types — domestic violence, sexual harassment, eve-teasing, etc. — is prevalent in Kashmir. Could you give us some numbers or figures about how many incidents happen per day in Kashmir? Which is the worst as per numbers?

Numbers do not even seem to matter anymore. Domestic violence takes place across villages and cities, sexual harassment continues to occur, and roadside harassment remains a serious problem.

The figures are high. In one day, I personally observed and recorded nearly 15 cases of harassment and abuse.

[Insert image]

[Buy here]

Is the government doing anything to bring down these incidents of harassment?

Yes, the government is doing its part, but implementation matters.

I’m very thankful to the State Women’s Commission, especially Nayeema Mehjoor, as well as the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Nowadays, police assistance is also available through social networking platforms. I’m also thankful to CEEO India for providing me with a platform to work for women.

They provide a platform where grievances can be recorded and forwarded to the concerned authorities.

As far as I know, SSP Imtiyaz Hussain, SSP Fayaz Lone, SSP Tejinder Singh and the DIG Office Jammu have also been working to address cases of harassment against women.

If a person is harassed in Kashmir, where can he or she report the crime?

It is relatively easier now.

A person can contact the Women Police Station in Srinagar or seek assistance from the Police Control Room in Srinagar or Jammu.

People can also leave an urgent message for CEEO India through their official Facebook page, after which they may be connected with the appropriate help.

Women Police Helpline Kashmir:
0194-2425051

Women Police Station Rambagh:
0194-2441613

What advice would you like to give to people who have been harassed?

Don’t stay stressed or silent — speak up.

Take help from the local police. It is time to stand up for your rights. We are not the property of others, we are not objects in society, and we are not born to face harassment.

We are champions and we have to shine.

Be positive, speak up and help lead society towards change.