Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 27, 2018 (SKNIS): The Department of Gender Affairs continues to spread awareness on gender-based violence by joining the United Nations’ 2018 observance of ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence’ Campaign under the theme, “Orange the World: #HearMeToo.”
The 16-Day Campaign which is being observed in the Federation from November 25 to December 10, is designed to raise awareness of gender-based violence, prevent it wherever possible, and advocate for relief and justice for the victims. Gender-based violence is not purely a case of women and girls being victimized. Such violence has both female and male victims, although males are far less likely to (a) be abused; and (b) report cases of such crimes.
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Minister of State with responsibility for Gender Affairs, the Honourable Wendy Phipps explained that the 16-Day Campaign is held between two major United Nations’ observances. These are November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10th, which is Human Rights Day.
“The campaign was a product of the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute that was held in 1991, and organised by the Rutgers University-based Centre for Women’s Global Leadership,” she added.
She said that the observance of the 16-Day Campaign is meant to demonstrate solidarity with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence; their families; support agencies, and governmental bodies.
“This is an opportunity for united action by and on behalf of all persons who are victims of gender – based violence – be they male or female – with the goal of bringing an end to such interpersonal and anti-social practices which, in essence, assault the dignity of the human person along gender lines,” stated Minister Phipps.
The Department of Gender Affairs in St. Kitts has planned a number of activities for the 16-Day Campaign. These include the distribution of Brochures and Posters on November 27 and 29, Launch of Domestic Violence Protocol and Human Rights Presentation on November 28, Flash Mob by the Drama Clubs from Washington Archibald and Basseterre High Schools on November 30, and Workshop in Collaboration with Spotlight Inc. on December 06.
The Minister, on behalf of the Department of Gender affairs, encourages the general public to support the activities and get involved in the global mission of ending gender-based violence.
