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Berbice women rise up against violence
The women from the various groups that were represented at the forum recite the National Pledge
Interest groups such as the Guyanese Women in Development (GUYWID), East Canje Humanitarian Society, Canje African Cultural Group, and the Women Affairs Committee held a ‘No More Black and Blue’ rally on Thursday to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The event was held at the Betsy Ground Primary School and was aimed at sending a strong message to the public. It was also intended to spread awareness about the social ill.
Liaison to the Office of the President, Faizal Jafarally, said that it is important for women to demonstrate some awareness in their relationships with men so that abuse can be prevented and avoided.
He urged the society, as well as the churches, to come on board to eliminate domestic violence against women and men. He noted the numerous religious communities that exist and questioned whether they are indeed playing an active role in the matter.
“Too often as religious leaders, we contain ourselves to the rituals of the belief, but the church has an important role to play and I must emphasize that they must fight this evil in our society”, he said.
“This is a serious issue. Too often as leaders, as government in our region, numerous cases come to us from time to time, where our womenfolk are battered and abused”.
He urged parents to be positive role models for their children and alluded to high consumption of alcohol in the Guyanese context. These, he noted, fuel the impacts of domestic violence further.
He cautioned women that sometimes they become walking victims of domestic violence through the manner in which some of them dress in society and asked that they take cognizance of this observation.
Regional Chairman of Region Six, Zulfikar Mustapha, expressed sentiments of joy during the gathering.
“What we have noticed over the years is that violence against women has become a norm. We have seen many household and womenfolk fall victims to violence. We will have to address this situation because when they [our womenfolk][ can’t perform, it hurts our country and productive efforts.”, he noted.
He urged the gathering to pay attention to the causes of violence against women and children. “We can avoid it. We, as a society, can address this situation.” He alluded to the legislation that was recently assented to by the Guyana parliament but
noted that this alone was not enough.
“Legislation without implantation cannot solve our problem”, he said.
The chairman urged men to show respect to
women. He noted that men always want to be superior in the home and to suppress the efforts and views of women in their homes.
At the end of the programme, a candlelight vigil was held on the streets of East Canje to further create awareness of the occasion. (Leon Suseran)
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