Last Saturday, December 10, Human Rights Day, the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) hosted its “Orange” Walk to commemorate
Human Rights Day 2016 and close the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, which
is held annually to galvanize action to end gender-based violence.
SASOD’s Joel Simpson led the marchers as they chanted “Equal Rights! Equal Love! Equal People!” and “Break the Silence, End Gender-Based Violence.”
At
the end of the walk, brief remarks were shared by Minister of Social
Protection, Volda Lawrence and keynote speaker Dr. Dawn Stewart. Dr.
Stewart is the civil society representative to Guyana’s Global Fund
Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and founder and Chief Executive
Officer of CPIC’s Monique’s Caring Hands - a leading, local grassroots
women's rights group.
Dr.
Stewart commenced her remarks by expressing, “It is one of the most
pervasive violations of human rights in the world, one of the least
prosecuted crimes, and one of the greatest threats to lasting peace and
development. I am talking about violence against women and children. I
am honoured to be here, at your request, to address this urgent matter
as we join together to advance human rights, and the common values of
humanity.”
Dr. Stewart noted that we live in a society where gender
stereotypes, everyday sexism and rape culture are commonplace; and
voiced that violence against women must receive the attention it needs.
“Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender-based
discrimination and social norms and gender stereotypes that perpetuate
such violence. The best way to end violence against women and girls is
to prevent it from happening in the first place by addressing its root
and structural causes,” Dr. Stewart said. She concluded by emphasizing
that, “prevention should start early in life, by educating and working
with young boys and girls, promoting respectful relationships and
gender equality. Working with youth is a “best bet” for faster,
sustained progress on preventing and eradicating gender-based violence.
While public policies and interventions often overlook this stage of
life, it is a critical time when values and norms around gender equality
are forged.”
Dr. Dawn Stewart delivering the keynote address
Minister
Lawrence, in brief closing remarks, thanked the Guyana Equality Forum
for organising such an initiative geared towards raising awareness to
end gender-based violence and observing Human Rights Days. She also
reiterated her Ministry’s commitment to working with civil society
oragnisations and other partners to eliminate gender-based violence in
Guyana.
Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence sharing closing remarks at the Walk
Ms.
Mikiko Tanaka, United Nations Resident Coordinator; Dr. Martin Oditt,
UNAIDS Country Director; Amanda Cauldwell, US Embassy’s Public Affairs
Officer; Akilah Dorris, Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic
Violence Policy Unit at the Ministry of Social Protection; along with
other representatives from the Ministry of Social Protection, various
civil society organisations and public-spirited citizens also
participated in the Walk.
In
closing, SASOD’ Advocacy and Communications Officer Schemel Patrick on
behalf of the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) extended heartfelt gratitude
to all the marchers who took part in the Orange Walk. Patrick also
thanked Pegasus Hotel – Guyana, Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry
(GBTI), E-Networks and the Ministry of Social Protection for their kind
contributions to the Walk and the Guyana Police Force officers who
escorted the marchers safely through the city traffic.
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