Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam

Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam (born 2004) is a female Malaysian activist, most noted for her activism against rape culture in Malaysian schools.

Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam
CitizenshipMalaysia
Known forActivism on sexual harassment in schools

Activism

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In April 2021, Husniza posted a video on TikTok and Twitter describing an incident in which her physical education teacher made a rape joke. According to Husniza, the teacher said “If you want to rape someone, make sure they are above 18.”[1] The issue gained significant traction online in Malaysia and ignited nationwide debate about sexual harassment, misogyny, and violence in schools. Husniza went on to start the #MakeSchoolASaferPlace social movement to call attention towards rape culture in schools. Under this broader movement, other students have come forward describing their experiences.[2] The incident was covered internationally by the BBC, Al-Jazeera, and Reuters.[3]

Several months after the initial incident, Husniza and her family moved to a new area after facing social ostracization as a result of Husniza's activism.[4] In December 2021, she and her father were sued by her teacher for posting the video online.[5] They have filed a countersuit and the case is currently ongoing.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "The 17-year-old exposing rape culture in Malaysian schools". Al Jazeera. 2021-05-19. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  2. ^ Latiff, Rozanna; Harris, Ebrahim (2021-04-30). "Malaysian teen slams rape jokes by teacher in viral video, vows to #MakeSchoolASaferPlace". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  3. ^ Balachandar, Daranee (2021-05-18). "BBC Features Ain Husniza In A Video Highlighting #MakeSchoolASaferPlace Campaign". Says. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
  4. ^ Leong, Adeline (2022-06-08). "Ain Husniza And Family Forced To Move Due To Backlash From School And Neighbourhood". The Rakyat Post. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
  5. ^ Zulkarnain, Iskandar; David, Nisha (2021-12-02). "Malaysian Teenager Sued by Teacher Who Allegedly Made Rape Joke to Fight Back". Benar News. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
  6. ^ "Federal counsel withdraws from representing teacher sued by Ain". FMT News. 2022-06-10. Retrieved 2022-10-09.