Actor Ayesha Omar has opened up about the impact of image-based abuse, saying that private vacation photos shared online without her consent affected her career, mental health and personal life.
Speaking to BBC Global Women, Omar criticised social media platforms and authorities for failing to protect women. She was featured in a report by gender justice organisation Chayn, which documented cases of image-based abuse faced by Pakistani and diaspora women in countries including the UK, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, the UAE and Kuwait.
Omar recalled that private photos from a trip to Thailand with friends were leaked online without her permission. She said one image, showing her in a swimsuit and shorts, was allegedly taken from her laptop and widely circulated.
The actor said the incident caused serious damage to her professional life. She revealed that she lost work opportunities because women in her culture are often expected to maintain a certain public image, especially when representing brands.
Omar also shared that the experience deeply affected her mental well-being. She said it left her traumatised and hypervigilant, making her constantly worry that someone might be secretly filming her.
