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Nadia Jamil is a personality from the Pakistani media industry whose efforts for creating awareness about social issues and social reformation are practical. The actress uses her social media following effectively and has rightfully earned the title of a true social activist whose voice booms across and has a deep impact on her admirers and critics alike. In her recent viral Tweet where she courageously spoke of her sexual harassment experience, we intriguingly approached the fierce lady of the hour herself to see what more she had to say regarding sexual abuse.

1.What vital role do celebrities play in raising awareness about social issues?

N: Everyone plays a role. State, media, educators, policymakers, you and I! But celebrities have people that are waiting to hear from them. Celebrities can use that platform to spread and inspire change, good or bad, or none at all. We all have a choice. I’ve never understood the word celebrity. I celebrate kids and trees!

2.With all the morbid news regarding sexual abuse of children, parents are severely psychologically disturbed; how can parents healthily overcome their fears they have for their children’s safety?

N: Giving birth isn’t a pretty or painless experience. The Creator prepares us from before we enter the world for violence. It’s a part of life. It brings about both pain and awesomeness to us. Parenting is amazing and scary. Be joyful but practical. Prevention is better than cure. Listen to your child, learn to avoid hysteria. Children need to learn the balance between being friendly, confident and open-minded while making essential boundaries. They also need to be heard out in order to develop a voice.

The ‘talk’ regarding the good-touch and bad-touch is so important to have with your child. I would personally have that talk with my children every six months till they were 11. Now, as they’ve grown older we keep the dialogue open and I make sure they trust me while feeling I am their ‘safe place’ on Earth. The one place or person they will ALWAYS find unconditional love and safety with InshaAllah.

3.There are many individuals who have had intense and traumatic life experiences, however, refrain from sharing them because they don’t want to be judged; why is it important to be proud of one’s own ‘story’?

N: You never, ever have to ‘share’ your experience unless you think others knowing might benefit them or you. It’s your decision. But it’s important to understand the shame is not yours. It’s been thrust upon survivors by this perverse patriarchal dialogue around sexuality and honor that such incidents are shameful to them as well as their abusers.

Secondly, there is one Judge. Allah. The Creator. The judgment of others really doesn’t affect or interest me. In the past, I have been my worst critic, enemy and today I am my best friend. I have to take care of my body and my inner self. Anyone else is a bonus. Lastly and most importantly; sexual abuse is so invasive. It rattles the body, brain, soul, and core. If it happens when you’re a child, it can mess up your perception of relationships, intimacy and your sense of self. It’s imperative to talk about intimate relationships about it so your partner respects your limits but more importantly, it’s essential to talk to your self about it.

4.The ancient concept of not talking to children about sexual abuse to preserve their ‘innocence’ lingers; how can awareness be created amongst adults to rebuke that concept?

N: I don’t want to affect a child’s innocence. There are ways of bringing the topic up that can keep their innocence intact. As they grow older, the dynamics of the talk changes. Especially today in a world of social media and internet information, it’s really important to talk to them and guide them in order to protect that innocence from danger!

5.What advice would you give to an individual who’s older now, but was sexually abused as a child; what can aid their mental health?

N: Understand you never did anything wrong so you don’t have to forgive yourself. Forgive yourself, those of you who blame yourselves for ‘letting it happen’, learn to love and protect yourself fiercely and move on. Life is too short, this moment is too precious. Don’t be proud of any story of yours. Instead, be proud of yourself wholly! I, myself, am a survivor. That feels awesome and empowering! I am not a victim and I survived not just the abuse but the years of self-loathing and low self-esteem that came after it. I survived it all and came out rocking with self-respect!

I’m proud of my capacity to survive and not give up. That’s what we do. We roll our sleeves up and get in with life. We must love every amazing sensation of it!