Mera Jism Mera Hai, written by Ashhad Ahmed Qureshi, is an illustrated children's book that carefully debunks the myths of sexual abuse and misunderstanding and provides children and their legal guardians with legal and mental health resources free of charge.
This book on child abuse is designed to teach children how to protect their bodies. Through colorful images and simple language, the main character Sarah learns to protect herself from unwanted touches. Keep it safe, or what to do in this case - for the same purpose, there is an activity for children at the end of the book, as well as instructions and tools for adults.
The dedicated and culturally sensitive book masterfully provides a much-needed healthy view of identifying and identifying abuse, providing support to minors unable to reveal their discomfort due to fear and confusion surrounding the topic.
“As a child, I was sexually abused for years by someone in my extended family. I remember how confused and helpless I felt, "said Ashhad, explaining why he felt compelled to write this book.
Also Read: How to Provide Entertainment and Positive activities to children amid COVID-19
"I really wanted to do something about it, but I didn't know what and I didn't know how."
"But my story is just one of countless others. I had the privilege of being given the support I needed to heal when I was finally able to tell my parents, but I know that many others don't I am very lucky, that's why I wrote this book - it is a book I wish I had grown up with. '
Start these conversations when you are young
Since such resources are taboo and not widely available, the author has decided to write them in Urdu in the hope that their scope and needs as curriculum requirements in educational institutions can also help promote the translation of the book into regional languages.
The book is written in simple language - it models conversations correctly and informs children about their bodies and who can touch them. Vivid illustrations by Aziza Ahmad make the concept process seamless.
However, given the sensitivity and spread of the topic in our community, it was difficult to prepare the book, as Ashhad describes.
'Most of what I read during my research into existing literature was not suitable for the Pakistani context. Even the language was not easily translated into Urdu. We don't really have words for personal space, body boundaries and so on, at least in Urdu for everyday use. You can translate them with certainty, but it wouldn't have the same meaning. I really had to think about how I could convey the same concept, but in a way that everyone can understand, "said Qureshi.
This may be one of the reasons why children who read the book are addressed in a tone that is both explanatory, thoughtful and compassionate.
I led a workshop with the Mental Health program manager of the Indus Health Network, where we discussed every book of the word. Is it easy to understand? Is it culturally appropriate? Does it respect people's beliefs? Are there better ways?
After making all the necessary changes, we eventually sent the manuscript to disadvantaged areas in Karachi where community members (who would hopefully read this to their children in the future) provided their feedback and made the necessary changes," added the author.
To break through misunderstandings
The book also provides an area of ​​activity where children can identify the family members they trust and open. A similar guide is also available for parents who recognize changes in their children's behavior and know they are concerned.
In particular, the book aims to clarify two misconceptions about physical autonomy in the context of Pakistan. First, the perpetrators are distant strangers who only persecute immoral individuals. Second, that people who come up with their stories do it to earn attention and to be blamed.
"In more than 80% of cases, the perpetrators are known to the victims, usually family members or acquaintances," said Qureshi.
The truth is that this issue is so stigmatized that the speakers are telling the truth. They often risk losing everything, sometimes even their own lives (honor killings), so as a community we really think critically about what someone needs to reveal their experiences.
