IT is a conversation for which the time has come. The brutal rape and murder of young Zainab in Kasur has brought into focus the issue of children`s safety and awareness of their personal rights. To this end, as reported recently, the Punjab government has come up with a booklet for schools on the issue. According to Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, the age-appropriate Secure Children, Strong Pakistan publication has been prepared and is shortly to be distributed in primary schools (addressing children up to the age of 10). The Urdu-language, eight-page booklet, carrying colourful illustrations, contains information about safety and the responsibilities of parents and teachers in terms of protecting the young. It also presents ideas on the invasion of privacy and inappropriate behaviour. Usefully, clerics belonging to the Muttahida Ulema Board have been consulted; further, the auqaf minister has said that the publication will be distributed in 53,000 mosques and khateebs too will be asked to make the discussion about child protection a priority. Meanwhile, according to the provincial education secretary, reading material for older students is in the works.

The initiative hopefully acted on in an age-appropriate and suitable manner greatly deserves being replicated in the rest of the country. Conservative notions have for far too long dictated that child sexual abuse remain a taboo subject, brushed under the carpet, leaving the most vulnerable to suffer. But, as much of the rest of the world has discovered, it is immensely important for children to have knowledge about and control of their personal selves and bodies. That said, it is of even greater importance for caregivers parents and teachers to be aware of the dangers that may stalk their charges, and the predators who are constantly on the prowl. It has taken a terrible assault and murder case for Pakistan to finally wake up to one of the biggest monstrosities that exist in society. This should be a clarion call for education and awareness-raising, with Punjab improving on its efforts and other provinces following suit.