QUETTA: An interactive discussion on harassment of women and girls in public and at workplace was held at the office of the Girl Guides Association (GGA).

The discussion was held against the backdrop of a campaign which ran from Nov 25 — the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women — to Dec 10 — the Human Rights Day. It was organised by the UNWOMEN — the 16 Days of Activism #HearMeToo to galvanise action for ending violence against women and girls around the world.

Head of UNWOMEN Balochistan Office Ayesha Wadood said: “We want to educate women and girls by providing scenarios adapted from the real life experiences that anyone can become a victim or a perpetrator of harassment. We need to speak and jointly create a platform for victims to share their stories and ensure perpetrators are punished.”

Girl guides from different institutions participated and shared their experiences of harassment at home and at workplaces.

Provincial GGA president Hassan Baluch thanked the UNWOMEN for organising the event.

Apart from the discussion, pledges were signed by the guides. The Guide House was decorated with orange balloons, scarves, banners and badges symbolising a world free of violence against women.

The guides suggested that more such sessions should be held.