EU, UN & Government stress the importance of strong, institutional partnerships to combat Gender-Based Violence in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA - The European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) all stress that strong, long-term institutional partnerships are crucial to combating gender-based violence in Guyana, particularly as it relates to providing the necessary resources that survivors of domestic violence need.

These sentiments were highlighted at a reception at the United Nations headquarters in Guyana, Duke Street, Kingston on November 29 to commemorate the symbolic light-up of the UN House as part of the theme for ‘16 Days of Activism to “Orange the World: END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN NOW!”.This initiative is being observed collectively by the UN and government partners and agencies who have decorated their buildings and spaces in orange.

“The work we do in gender-based violence would not have been possible without the generous support of the European Union which supports the work of the United Nations in many countries, not only Guyana…” Ms Yeşim Oruç, United Nations Resident Coordinator said during brief remarks at the reception. “If we bring all our capacities together within the UN system, across government entities, different government ministries, institutions, justice, social protection, and health- if we bring it all together from all sides we can actually end this unconscionable phenomenon of violence against women and girls.” 

These sentiments were echoed by H.E. Fernando Ponz Cantó, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Guyana, who highlighted that the Spotlight Initiative is a long-term partnership between the EU, UN and Guyana Government to combat the past, current and future issues surrounding gender-based violence in Guyana. “this is a way to give visibility to a real problem not only for Guyana but for an entire world and a problem cannot be solved unless it is under ‘spotlight’,” the Ambassador said. 

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindiya Persaud, whose Ministry is the lead government agency under the Spotlight Initiative, explained that such partnerships set countries on the right path towards significantly reducing the incidences of gender-based violence in society.  “I am hoping that, in our country, if we can make the significant inroads and reduce the numbers that are very disturbing to me and to everyone, and we can create the momentum that is consistent in our country, where all those who are passionate against this issue of violence against women, we can join our hands and we can not stop until what we need to do is complete,” Minister Persaud said. 

The reception also saw attendance from the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Acting Chief Justice, Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, Implementing Partners and other officials. 

As the 16 Days of Activism were observed around the world, several initiatives were planned to raise awareness of the need to end domestic violence, many of which fall under the purview of the Spotlight Initiative, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030 in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ambassador Cantó, Ms Oruç and Minister Persaud also participated in a radio interview where they shared similar sentiments on the benefits of strong partnerships and their role in the success of executing programmes under the Spotlight Initiative.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that takes place each year. It commences on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. It was originated by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women's Global Leadership. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals, institutions, and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.