Mashaadi 2022 from Mashion, in collaboration with Moltyfoam Pakistan highlighted the societal issue of abuse. It gave us some thought provoking points which were hard to miss and important to talk about.
Here are the 9 lessons we learnt. Which one resonated with you the most?
1. Family Is the Backbone
Parents & families have the power to empower women. You can overcome anything if your family is united and stands behind you!
2. Empowering Our Daughters
“Yeh Maheen ki jung hai aur hum sab iske saath hain”
Maheen’s father
Supporting daughters also means we must empower them and give them the strength to fight their own wars.
3. Violence Is Not Always The Answer
Abuse must not be responded to with violence. Maheen’s father stops her brother from acting violently towards the guy who abused her. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
4. Abuse Is A Deal Breaker
Men who commit acts of violence of any kind are not entitled to ‘second chances.’ It’s critical to be strong and to leave at the first indication of violence. Never allow yourself to be abused.
5. It Can Never Be Too Late
There is never a ‘right time’ to leave an abusive relationship. It’s okay if your wedding day falls on the day you get the strength to leave the abusive situation. Even if the process is arduous, it’s always the right choice.
6. Changing The Stereotypes
‘Relationships Mai Eisa Hota Hai’ Aur ‘Log Kiya Kahengay’. We must change our stereotypical mindset and stop caring about what society says or thinks. Relationships are about love, respect and care.
7. Men Should Understand And Support
Men in the family must reach out and stand behind a woman. Be it their daughter, sister or wife. In this case, although Maheen’s mother fell prey to the ‘Log Kya Kahengay’ stigma, her dad and brother placed her happiness above all else.
8. It Is Not Easy To Walk Out
Every time a relationship breaks, it hurts. It is tough for a girl to have her baraat return from the doorstep. A girl battles on not one, but on multiple fronts when she faces abuse and chooses to walk out.
9. Opening Up About Abuse And Fighting It Should Be The New Normal
Last but not the least, we must normalise conversations about abuse and support anyone going through it in whatever way we can.
Mashion and Moltyfoam’s campaign resonated with many and raised points which were needed for a long time.