UNICEF donation to aid in elimination of violence against women, children in Reg 6

Working towards the eradication of violence against women and children, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), within the framework of the European Union-United Nations (EU-UN) Spotlight Initiative, recently donated key supplies to a number of schools and health centres supported by the St Francis Community Developers (SFCD) umbrella in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
These supplies, including tents, smart televisions, printers with backup batteries, backpacks, umbrellas and water bottles, filing cabinets and stationery, will go towards increasing the education and health capacity development within the region.
Regional Health Officer of Region Six, Dr Vishalya Sharma noted that the generous donation will aid in training some 44 part-time workers within her department to sensitise community members on gender-based violence and the reporting mechanism of these instances.
“These part-time workers will be trained to assist the health centres at Angoy’s Avenue and Port Mourant to help publicise activities at the health centres, and also report instances of violence where necessary,” Sharma said.
As the second largest populated region in Guyana, Region Six is plagued with many challenges including poor parenting, alcohol abuse and gender-based and family violence.
Since the introduction of the Spotlight Initiative in the region in collaboration with the SFCD, reports have indicated that there have been many improvements in the awareness and reporting of violence against women and girls.

UNICEF Area Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Nicolas Pron commended all stakeholders for their commitment to the programme while noting that it takes a multisectoral approach to end violence against women and girls.
“We know it takes a collective effort of the public, private and intergovernmental agencies along with the people to make rapid changes possible. It is always a great feeling to witness the works of our implementing partners, especially when they understand the vision and when they work towards achieving that vision,” Pron said.
“While we are far from achieving the goal we really want to achieve, we cannot do it alone. We are pleased to see the progression so far. Be assured of UNICEF’s continued commitment to ending violence against women and girls in this region, and in Guyana,” Pron added.
Students and teachers of the schools receiving the supplies extended their gratitude to UNICEF, noting that it would enhance the delivery of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) subject.
Meanwhile, SFCD President, Alex Foster, who oversees the implementation of the prevention component of the Spotlight Initiative in Angoy’s Avenue and Port Mourant, also thanked UNICEF for its unwavering support over the past two years under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.
Other stakeholders including the Town Clerk, Education, Health and Human Services and Social Security Ministries’ staff, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were also present during the handing over ceremony and highlighted the other areas within the region that need support.
In keeping with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the EU’s global human rights priority to achieve gender equality under the Spotlight Programme in various countries around the world, the two organisations have been working collectively over the years to address violence against women and children through efforts as such.