Child abuse, rape, forced marriage, acid attack, honor killing, and murder in cold blood are some of the most devastating forms of violence in a third-world country like Pakistan. It was not too long ago that Qandeel Baloch, a Pakistani model was strangled to death by her brother in the name of ‘dishonoring’ her family. And just not too long ago, Asifa Bano, an 8-year old girl from Kashmir, and Zainab Ansari, a 7-year old girl from Kasur, were gang-raped and brutally murdered. These are some of the many cases of sexual violence and child abuse, which were brought forward in front of the media. 

Sahil, an organization working for the protection of children against all forms of abuse in Pakistan, reports that child molestation and abuse takes place in almost all parts of Pakistan and the perpetrators, totaling 60% of the reported population, are amongst relatives and close family friends. Their data also reveals that more than 9 children who are less than 18 years of age are sexually abused every single day. In the year 2017, a total of 3,445 cases of child abuse were reported, out of which 60% were girls and 58% of those were violently murdered after rape; and a total of 143 child marriages have been reported out of which 89% were girls.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 80% of Pakistani women experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime (Human Rights Watch, 2017). These are just some of the stated facts. There are many more of which we are unaware.

As an advocate for gender justice I produced, directed, and animated Laal Ribbon, a stop-motion animation, to collectively respond to the above-stated facts. Here, I share a story of Laali who is molested and raped at the age of 8 years. Tainted by the traumatic psychological and physiological experience her childhood becomes more of a nightmare when she is forced to marry. 

Being a female compels you to be caged within the patriarchal boundaries established around you where suffering and silencing become the food for survival. This animation is my artistic response to the insurmountable cases of child sexual abuse, rape, trauma, forced marriage, and domestic violence that are (un)reported in Pakistan. The story is not just about Laali but also of every child, girl, and woman around the world who has faced a similar reality.

A stop-motion animation that shares the story about me and my mother and her influence in my life while being miles away from her. She lives in Pakistan and I am in the U.S.

The animation is about honoring my mother who has always been there for me—to support my education and professional goals. I was raised in a conservative family where women have little to no opportunities for professional growth or learning. Having my mother by my side has been the most cherished blessing for me. She has always supported my wishes in pursuing an independent life. I owe my success to her.

Therefore, this animation is about giving homage to her unconditional love and support to me. When I was a little girl, I watched her cook for the family and serve food to us and in her spare time, she would be on her sewing machine utilizing her artistic energy to stitch clothes for us (her children) and the neighborhood/community friends. This animation is a non-linear narrative that showcases her love for the family and her art. Showing these moments is intentional as I recall her presence in my life being miles away from her.