16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Concludes

The annual international United Nation’s campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, concluded on International Human Rights Day (10 December).

In the Cayman Islands, the Gender Affairs Unit in partnership with the Family Resource Centre, hosted several successful events and training sessions as a part of the initiative.

“The Gender Affairs Unit is proud to have been involved in marking the 16 Days of Activism again this year. The activities brought together advocates and victims/survivors as well as Government agencies, academia and Non-Profit Organisations. The activities ranged from training sessions, workshops, awareness displays and outreach programmes – all of which served to help garner further concrete commitments from Government and other stakeholders in our community towards ending gender based violence,” said Senior Policy Analyst, Karlene Bramwell.

Around the globe violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent human rights violation to this day. Global statistics show that more than 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence during their lifetime and that more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own families. Figures also show that less than 40% of those who do experience violence ever seek any kind of help.

“These figures are startling and are only being amplified by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, effects of climate change, economic instability amongst other issues. The solutions to ending gender based violence are dynamic and include public education; attitudinal change at the individual level, as well as broader societal changes aimed at reducing structural inequalities, bias and discrimination; along with the provision of opportunities to enable people to live in safety, free from oppression, and with access to necessary resources to develop their talents and skills. We are grateful to our partners for helping make this a successful 16 Days and thankful to those participants in our community who came out to join,” she continued.

Ms Vernis Bodden (73), a participant of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Workshop which focused on Small Business Management, said, “I was truly motivated and inspired by this well-planned workshop. As an older woman and an entrepreneur, I left with the determination to change the world around me by continuing to grow and produce food for health and wellness”.

Access to the financial and knowledge resources to assist women-owned small businesses to produce high–quality products and services are vital for those trying to rebuild their lives after the experience of gender based violence.

To learn more about reducing gender based violence and other issues email: genderequality@gov.ky.