Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Resounding calls made to eliminate domestic violence
“We hope that you help to spread this message,” is what a smiling Stella Ramsaroop, Kaieteur News columnist and co-organiser of the event, is probably trying to convince this gentleman.
– As victims are remembered
There were resounding and repeated calls to put an end to the cycle of violence in the society, when the ‘Break the Silence, Say No to Violence’, rally got underway last evening at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda, Georgetown.
The event which was attended by scores was characterised by a barrage of dramatic pieces, most of which depicted the various forms in which violent acts are perpetrated.
There were skits, poetry, dances, singing, drumming and other cultural items which not only served to highlight the plight that some victims have endured and others continue to suffer, as a result of violent circumstances, but were also relatively entertaining to those in attendance. There were some spellbinding pieces which saw youths reliving, though momentarily, how some systems fail to fulfil their mandate to protect the vulnerable.
Emphasis was given to particular cases of violence perpetrated against some children and women, with the fatal tale of Neesa Gopaul being enacted by a girl from the Youth Arm of Red Thread, a women’s advocate organisation. All those who suffered at the hands of various forms of domestic violence were symbolically recognised with the release of white helium-filled balloons.
The rally was aimed at sensitising the public about the incidence of domestic violence with a view of soliciting the support of families, religious leaders, policy makers and other stakeholders to aid the fight against domestic violence.
This move comes in recognition of the fact that several women are losing their life due to the social problem.
Sukree Boodram, author of Break Out, was one of the individuals who collaborated on the noble effort
But there are also women and some men that suffer similarly. And in order to realise a paradigm shift, whereby violence in the home is no longer seen as an unmentionable topic but rather as one that must be addressed with much urgency, a decision was made to orchestrate the rally.
It was through the collaboration of a number of private individuals including the likes of KN Columnist, Stella Ramsaroop; Founder of the Irene Madray Recreational Arts and Resource Centre (IMRARC), Diane Madray; Kids First Fund Head and former First Lady, Varshnie Singh; Sukree Boodram, a survivor of domestic violence and author of Break Out, an inspirational book; and London-based Luke Daniels, author of a similarly inspirational publication, Pulling the Punches.
There was also support from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and non-governmental organisations including Red Thread and Help and Shelter, the key entities that have over the years been battling the challenge of domestic violence.
The collaborative effort was a number of months in the making, but was put together just in time to mark International Day for Violence Against Women, which was observed globally yesterday.
The day of observance was kicked into motion with an exhibition at the same venue which provided the public with information of how domestic violence could be overcome.
A number of supporting organisations distributed pamphlets and other enlightening material intended to help persons to better understand and help address the social problem.
Help and Shelter was one of the leading proponents for the exercise
Even those who suffered abuse were on hand to relay their experiences as they sought to encourage others in the society to emulate their actions which led to them being able to “break the silence and say no to violence.” Human Services Minister, Priya Manickchand, Chartered Account Christopher Ram and Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall were among the prominent members of society that were in attendance.
The occasion also attracted a two-man picketing exercise. Columnist Freddie Kissoon and Social Activist Mark Benschop joined forces in this regard.
Meanwhile, the efforts to eliminate the prevalence of domestic violence will continue as there are sustained plans to keep the fight going. According to Ramsaroop, who co-chaired the rally last evening, workshops on breaking the silence are set to continue over the next few days even as other measures are unfolded.
Today, the National Library is the venue for the first workshop which will start at 15:00hrs (3pm) and end at 20:00hrs (8pm). Tomorrow, the organisers take their message to the Ancient County. The RHMA World Harvest Church/Alpha Children’s Home at 34 Gay Park, New Amsterdam will host the gathering from 15:00hrs (3pm) to 18:00hrs (6pm). And on Sunday, the Life Springs Cathedral at 1 Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara, will be the venue. That workshop is scheduled to commence at 17:30hrs (5:30pm) and conclude at 20:30hrs (8:30pm).
All the events are free.
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