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Guyana records another successful ‘One Billion Rising’ event
ACCORDING to global statistics, one in three women – about one billion – will be beaten or raped in her lifetime.
In this regard, Guyanese from all walks of life stood in solidarity with the rest of the world on Friday, demanding an end to all forms of violence against women during the annual ‘One Billion Rising’ observance.
The large gathering assembled at Parc Rayne Rahaman‘s Park, Houston, to commemorate the event through poetry, drama, and dance.
The event, which was hosted in part by the Sisterhood of Support and Service (S4) Foundation, also provided a forum for individuals and organizations to share knowledge, resource and views on various aspects
Guyanese participating in ‘One Billion Rising’ last year.
of domestic violence.
Executive Director of the S4 Foundation, Imarah Radix, told Kaieteur News that a collaborative effort between several organizations helped to make the second enactment of ‘One Billion Rising’ movement in Guyana a success.
“We had a wonderful turn out; it was once again the biggest rising in the Caribbean. We had over 40 organizations from civil society participating in the activity. They brought their banners, information and equipment to give people an idea of what they do and how they can get involved or get help.”
Radix noted that textbooks, DVDs (movies), as well as brochures containing information about sexual harassment and domestic violence were also distributed to those in attendance.
Participating entities in last Friday’s event included SASOD, Help and Shelter, ChildLink, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Food for the Poor, Peace Corps (Guyana), the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association , (GRPA) Caribbean youth environment network, the Justice Institute of Guyana and the Ministry of Health.
The inclusion of face painting done by Bravo Arts, and the availability of light refreshments also made the event, fun and educational.
The ‘One Billion Rising’ movement was started by Eve Ensler, an American Tony award winning playwright and activist, best known for her play ‘The Vagina Monologues’.
Last year Guyana’s campaign was the largest in the Caribbean and brought to the country to the attention of the world.
“It’s a global sensitisation initiative that began over 14 years ago but more importantly it provides an opportunity for local organisations to become familiar with each other’s work …fostering connections between the organisations’ and the public to raise awareness about domestic violence, genital mutilation and rape.”
Radix says that S4 outreach work has been extensive and will be expanding.
The group is currently focused on empowering women through diversified skills training into non-traditional areas—-Agriculture, healthcare and entrepreneurship.
One of Radix’s main objectives is to have a fully operational Women’s Shelter which would be totally sustainable by having an adjoining mushroom farm, while simultaneously providing skills training in the cultivation, harvesting packaging and marketing of the produce.
She says that S4 chides the use of all forms of abuse.
“We’ve provided food, clothing and shelter or basic needs for victims of abuse whether female or male…But because there are so many cases of domestic abuse that are underreported, especially with the taboo of men being raped and abused, we do not limit our resource to helping women.
The Men’s Affairs Bureau is basically the only organization in Guyana that speaks to the issues of men so really, there can never be enough. There always need for more assistance to combat violent behaviour.”
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