Over 100 women in South Rupununi empowered to report crimes

Over 100 women from the villages of Potarinau, Shulinab, Meriwau, Quiko, and Parabara, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), are now more knowledgeable on how to handle serious criminal cases in their communities, following a series of public outreach meetings hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
These meetings were held from February 10 to 13 and were focused on educating residents, mostly women, on the importance of reporting serious crimes to the Police.
During the sessions, some participants shared that they were unaware that the Toshaos, the village leaders, were unable to handle sexual offences or domestic violence cases, and that there have been instances of village leaders allegedly trying to “settle” matters of sexual offences themselves.

Based on complaints received at the DPP’s Chambers, residents often said they were not aware of how to go about dealing with criminal matters, especially those in relation to gender-based and sexual violence.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the outreach, saying it had provided clarity and guidance. “We need more of these public awareness and public education sessions, because we have learnt so much from you on what to do when something happens,” one participant noted.
Co-founder of the South Rupununi Wapichan Wiizi Women’s Movement, Immaculata Casimero, highlighted that the meeting brings awareness, clarity and support to the residents of these far-flung communities.
The outreach was held in collaboration with the Canadian Justice Education Society (JES), which engaged with participants in artistic and cultural activities, allowing them to express their thoughts on ending gender-based crimes and sexual violence against men, women and children.