Youth of Quetta SAY NO to violence against women and girls on International Volunteer Day
Date:
Quetta, Pakistan — On Monday 5 December UN Volunteers (UNV) Pakistan commemorated the International Volunteer Day at the Balochistan Boy Scouts Hall, in Quetta, with young women, men, girls and boys. Under the theme ‘Global Applause: Give volunteers a hand’ approximately 200 participants came together and celebrated volunteerism at its best, with motivational speeches, an award ceremony, music by a local rock band, a theatre performance, a male Balochi dance and stalls presenting their volunteerism work in the province.
UN Volunteers from across Pakistan and from Italy, Brazil, Germany, Norway, Jamaica and Uganda working for various UN agencies - UN Women, FAO, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF and the RC Office - joined the youth of Quetta for the occasion.With International Volunteer Day falling under the UN’s 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence, participants pledged their support to SAY NO to violence against women and girls in Pakistan, a country where 70% of women and girls face violence of some kind in their lifetime.
During the gathering, 6 local volunteers out of 35 nominees were given special attention for their selfless contributions to their respective communities.
Ms. Abida Baloch (27) was one of them, and she received a certificate and award as ‘Champion Volunteer’. "I became a victim of polio at the age of 2 and faced problems with my right hand, foot and back. Despite becoming chained to a wheel chair, I found a way to contribute to my local community. For several years, I have been teaching others how to sow, make candles and flower decorations from my home. I felt lonely as it is not easy for me to move around, so this was a way of bringing people to me. I teach every single day, free of cost, and everyone is welcome. By helping others, I find my own motivation,” shares Abida, proving that the spirit of volunteerism in the troubled city of Quetta is very much alive.
Photo Gallery
For more information contact:
Henriette Bjoerge
Communications and Advocacy Officer
UN Women Pakistan
Email: [ Click to reveal ]