| On Friday,Keith Yandle Rangers Jersey, November 25,Kenny Stills Dolphins Jersey, 2016,Adidas Craig Smith Jersey, Guyana joined with the rest of the world in observance ofVolda LawrenceInternational Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women under the theme “Orange the World: Promoting Equality; Ending Gender-Based Violence”.Minister of Social Protection,Stephon Marbury USA Jersey, Volda Lawrence, said that it is time to break the silence, to “lend our voices throughout all the Regions of our country in unison against Domestic and Intimate Violence,Vanderbilt Commodores Jerseys, to become involved and demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of this social ill which is so rife in our society.”Minister Lawrence urged that everyone should make it their business, make it their responsibility to shatter the glass and speak out loudly and strongly against the high incidence of violence that prevails in our villages and communities.The Social Protection Ministry on November 24, 2016 partnered with a number of organizations to kick start the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence by doing a tree wrapping exercise along areas such as Camp Street, Main Street, Carmichael Street and Waterloo Street. The sponsors for the exercise included the United Nations Country Team, the Guy Oil Company, The Guyana Prison Service, Global Technology, New Thriving Restaurant and the National Library.The areas mentioned before were draped in orange fabric to raise awareness of Gender-based Violence issues with inscription “Stop Gender-Based Violence Helpline – 231-6556”.The Ministry of Social Protection also hosted a Sensitization and Awareness Exhibition on Friday December 2, 2016 at Parliament Gardens.This initiative was intended to heighten the awareness of the Guyanese populace about gender-based violence and services that are available to the public and survivors of this heinous crime.Fabric used in the tree wrapping exercise.Saint Stanislaus College, Dolphin Secondary, Central High School and Carmel Secondary were among the participating schools. Thirty students and two teachers engaged in rich discussions with officials from the Ministry about the forms of gender-based violence, its effects on the individual, family and society, and how to respond should an individual become victim to this form of violence.The Youth Advocacy Movement at the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) ensured, and continues to ensure, that critical information about gender-based violence reaches young people in Guyana through a variety of educational and recreational activities. The volunteer youth activists of GRPA have also embarked on a number of activities to raise awareness in gender based violence.So far the young activists have been using social media to get their message out. The walk was followed by a martial arts and self defense training on the Seawalls, which saw a lot of women in attendance.Women have been historically,Terrence Ross Raptors Jersey, culturally, systematically and physically oppressed for years. As a result of the way ancient societies view women, society now would have adapted these same practices. The abuse of any kind to women can lead to low self esteem, body image issues,Alberto Moreno Liverpool Jersey UK, lost in self-worth and value which could in turn lead to mental health concerns.Barbados and Dominica have started a movement using the hashtags #lifeinleggings and #LeveDomnik (Stand up Dominica) that is quickly becoming popular in Guyana. The movement is where women share their experiences of street harassment on social media. The Guyanese version is similar with the hash tag #ahdontalk at the end. Confidentially is being strictly enforced with the stories that are being shared.One woman wrote: “Growing up I used to think that being called cat and told how much someone wanted to have sex with me was normal. Considering the fact that almost every day I would either experience for myself or see other women go through the same,http://www.theworldsoccersshop.com/Argentina-Diego-Maradona-Jersey.html, I believed that it was okay, it was culture and it was just how things went.“That is until one day on my way to lessons a boy from another school walked up to me, grabbed my privates and ran away. I didn’t even know what to do. I went to lessons and didn’t tell anyone.“I remember the night I was on my way home in a bus. I was sitting next to two young men who began telling me in detail what they wanted to do to me. The people in the seat in front of us heard and did nothing. I am sure that there are many other girls that have accepted this as normal. But no one deserves to have to go through this.”This was just one of the numbers of women that have anonymously told their stories on social media. In Guyana street harassment happens all the time,Josh Lambo Chargers Jersey, it doesn’t matter anymore if you are provocatively dressed or not. When young women walk down the streets the young men and even the older men make it their duty to harass them. They would call them names and tell them about what they would do with them given the chance.On December 10, 2016, GRPA will be hosting an event portraying poetry, dance and drama about the 16 Days of Activism which will commence on that day. |
