Guyana Equality Forum hosts walk to end gender based violence
Commemorating the end of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Guyana Equality Forum held its orange walk to galvanize action to end gender-based violence.
Chanting “Equal Rights! Equal Love! Equal People!” and “Break the Silence, End Gender-Based Violence” the people were told that the best way to end violence is to prevent it.
Dr Dawn Stewart of the Guyana Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and founder and Chief Executive Officer of CPIC’s Monique’s Caring Hands – a leading, local grassroots women’s rights group, stated that violence against women and girls is rooted in gender-based discrimination and social norms and gender stereotypes that perpetuate such violence.
Members of the Gender Equality Forum and other civil activists walk against violence
“It is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights in the world, one of the least prosecuted crimes, and one of the greatest threats to lasting peace and development. I am talking about violence against women and children. I am honoured to be here, at your request, to address this urgent matter as we join together to advance human rights, and the common values of humanity,” Dr Stewart said, highlighting that we live in a society where gender stereotypes, everyday sexism and rape culture are commonplace; and voiced that violence against women must receive the attention it needs.
“The best way to end violence against women and girls is to prevent it from happening in the first place by addressing its root and structural causes.”
She posited that prevention should commence early in life by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality.
“Working with youth is a “best bet” for faster, sustained progress on preventing and eradicating gender-based violence. While public policies and interventions often overlook this stage of life, it is a critical time when values and norms around gender equality are forged.”
Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence lauded the Guyana Equality Forum for organising such an initiative geared towards raising awareness to end gender-based violence and observing Human Rights Day.
