NGO organises forums to increase awareness of femicide, GBV

Cognisant that femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) are cause for concern in Guyana, not-for-profit organisation, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) has announced plans to combat the situation as the annual campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, approaches.
The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
The annual movement which began in 1991 commences on November 25—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women—and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day.  The Centre for Women’s Global Leadership estimates that more than 6000 organisations in some 187 countries have participated, advancing progress toward the urgent goal of ending gender-based violence. TCV is one of those organisations and it is urging everyone to sign this petition to declare December 6 as the International Day to End Femicide.
See the link to the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/united-nations-declare-dec-6-as-international-day-against-femicide.
As well, TCV is planning a workshop on Youth Relationship Violence on December 3 from 13:00h to 15:00h. The workshop is presented by Proverbial Peace Revived Ministries with the lead presenter being Dr Brenetia Adams-Robinson, a transformational life strategist and empowerment coach.
On December 9, from 18:00h to 20:00h, the TCV will also hold a panel discussion on Safety and Resiliency for victims and survivors.
According to the TCV, other ways in which 16 Days of Activism can be observed include: focusing on speak-outs by survivors and loved ones of victims of femicide and GBV.
The NGO said that videos can be shared on social media, letters sent to the print media, and interviews done with print media and broadcast media, both traditional and virtual. TCV is willing to help with sharing and promotion if videos, letters/articles, and interviews are provided.
It said that the planting of trees, especially fruit trees to memorialise victims of femicide and gender-based violence by friends, families, neighbours, and former colleagues of victims.
Perhaps short programmes can be produced around each tree planting that may include sharing of memories of victims, music, poetry, skits, releasing of balloons, and sharing of snacks and beverages, the organisation suggested. It added that organising marches, rallies, and candlelight vigils can be done by communities, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations, leaders, and influencers. Interfaith events would be fabulous as well as events planned by a collaboration of organisations, with support from Local or Central Government.

Donating
The NGO proposed donating to an organisation that supports survivors of gender-based violence, and educating oneself about GBV – lots of information, podcasts, seminars, workshops, and panel discussions are available online. It said it could provide links if needed.
“Organising focus groups – this too can be done by the Government in collaboration with organisations in communities to sensitise and build awareness and provide prevention strategies. Lobbying – writing or calling the Head of State and the responsible Minister, holding picketing exercises, having meetings with other stakeholders and policymakers, reach out to social and traditional media for support,” were among other ideas put forward by TCV.
According to the NGO, reaching out to the Police to hold community forums to discuss what they have in place to address femicide and GBV violence and how communities can collaborate with them, is another way awareness could be raised of the problems.

A day to remember
It also suggested reaching out to needy survivors and giving them a day to remember in the form of gift baskets, consumer supplies, a cookout/games session with them, and beauty treatment.
“Creatives can produce prevention songs, poetry, or even plays and everyone can help to post and share on social media. Plays can be acted out by students, youth groups, and the like and videotaped for sharing and promotion. TCV can assist with this if the material is provided.”
In addition, the TCV recommended adopting an animal in the name of survivors who love animals, cleaning up the environment and erecting a plaque with the victim’s name, and maybe even planting some flowers and, if possible, constructing a bench. If all of this is done, the NGO noted that the area could then be maintained and developed into a community gathering place. According to the non-governmental organisation, many do not have the time and oftentimes the wherewithal to become activists and advocates but many, if not all, can find one or more activities from the above list to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
“It does not matter how small the start is; for once there is a start, it will grow. And the above range of activities provides scope for all communities to be involved in activities against gender-based violence, many of which also address other issues like environmental sustainability and animal adoption as well as fostering links between various components of society.”
The Caribbean Voice has assured that it stands ready to help out where desired. (G1)