Pakistan, Feb. 19 -- When students enter centers of learning, they expect intellectual growth, mentorship, career development, and a safe environment in all aspects of their lives. Instead, many find themselves trapped in a system where power dynamics are exploited, victims are silenced, and perpetrators often go unpunished. The prevailing culture of victim-blaming not only discourages survivors from speaking out but also emboldens perpetrators, ensuring that fear and silence persist. The tragic truth is that harassment is often normalized, and those affected become unwilling to confront or report it due to the fear of retaliation.

When universities, institutions designed to foster learning and personal development, become places where f...