Georgetown : The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through the Women’s Affairs Bureau and other partners last evening held a vigil in front of Parliament building to mark the end of 16 days of activism against domestic violence, and also in observance of International Human Rights Day.
This event was attended by First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, and Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission, Aleema Nasir, among others.
The First Lady said Government, through various Ministries, has been making this issue a central concern and has been investing resources to combat this social ill with collaboration from Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), religious organisations, communities and other agencies.
“In Guyana we are fortunate to have the issue of violence against women and the vulnerable comprise a prominent part of our national dialogue,” she pointed out.
“Domestic Violence is a concern for us all, and therefore I implore us at the community level to safeguard our individual communities, this means we would be required to be engaged with those being abused as well as the abusers…this has to be a continuous participation with every individual in the home,” she urged.
Minister Webster pointed out that 17 women who have been victims of Domestic Violence lost their lives thus far for this year.
“There is an urgent need for all of us to strengthen the institution and bonds of the families to provide greater support to its members, to the men out there, we are not here to traumatise you, but want to tell you to be better mentors,” she urged.
She pleaded with religious organisations, civil society, and NGOs to reach out more to the vulnerable in their homes and their communities. Stating that there is still a lot to be done to put an end to this violence, she reminded that it is also important that persons are educated on the issue and ways to address it.
The Minister acknowledged that more positive messages can be sent through the media to promote the issue of domestic violence.
“The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security is reviewing this situation, based on several consultations held throughout the 10 administrative regions. It is our intention to formally submit the proposed recommendations which have emanated from those consultations as part of a national plan of action and we look forward to your cooperation,” she said.
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