Georgetown: Under the theme, “”Eliminating Discrimination Against Women in Order to end Gender-Based Violence”, Guyana join forces with the rest of the world in observing International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women today.
According to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, today, one hundred and twenty five countries around the world have enacted legislation to ensure that there are penalties in place for perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence. This is a significant step forward as compared to many years ago.
“We can see the results of our cumulative efforts today. Guyana has a strong and robust legislative and policy framework for the protection of women. This includes our National Constitution which enshrines the rights of women, several international treaties, including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and national legislation for example, more recently progressive pieces of legislation – The Domestic Violence Act (1996) and the Sexual Offences Act (2010).”
She explained that there are many ways that men can indicate that they are supportive of women. Change begins with men of honor speaking out, to let perpetrators know that violent attitudes and negative behavior against women are unacceptable in any circumstance.
Adding that violence in whatever form it takes is repugnant to human life and freedom, she said the right to life and liberty are enshrined within the Constitution and have the characteristics of being inalienable and fundamental.
“A life free of violence is a logical extension of these rights. There is nothing remotely excusable about violence against women. There is absolutely no justification for this. At the level of the Government of Guyana we have already clearly articulated a “zero tolerance” policy against Gender-Based Violence.” The Minister noted “I wish to commend all those who have reached out to victims of abuse. I wish to recognize the leadership of all those non-governmental organizations that have played an active role in advancing women’s rights. We value your contributions and initiatives, which have no doubt saved countless lives, and have transformed the way we address these all too pervasive crimes. To our corporate and donor partners, and friends in the media, we urge you to continue supporting initiatives towards the“Elimination of Violence Against Women”.
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