GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Monday, July 6th, 2009 - As the curtain comes down on the final day of the “Stop the Violence Campaign”, organizers are hopeful and pleased that they have made a significant impact on the lives of many and have met their objectives in a most incredible manner, although there were many challenges faced along the way during this month of June which was set aside for Disarming Domestic Violence and to bring to the fore the many forms of domestic violence and sexual abuse perpetrated on women and girls.
In their efforts to bring awareness to all persons living in the TCI, a number of initiatives were embarked upon throughout the TCI, reaching out to persons in all echelons of the TCI, not only the English speaking communities, but also the Spanish and French. The activities commenced on June 1st with a Press Conference at the Social Services Conference Room with Minister of Gender Affairs, Hon. Karen Delancy, Hon. Wayne Garland, Minister of Tourism, Directors of Gender Affairs, Rita Gardiner, Director of Social Services, Earl Fulford, President of Women In Development, Delthia Russell, as well as other Members of Government and NGO’s with members of the print and voice media gathering information on the campaign and the activities for the way forward.
There were a number of other informative events, including appearances on talk shows, art competitions amongst students, visits to schools and other focal groups, panel discussions and public consultations on issues arising from the Family Law and Domestic Violence Reform.
As the campaign focused on the prevention and protection of violent crimes perpetrated on women, it was necessary to give women the basic tools necessary to protect themselves if accosted by an assailant. Therefore, a number of defense classes were held for the benefit of women.
The Gender Affairs partnered with their local NGO, Women in Development, (WID) as well as with the international organizations, Women’s Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD), The Caribbean Coalition for Development and the Reduction of Armed Violence (CDRAV) and the International Network on Small Arms (IANSA) - all for the protection and prevention of disarming violence on women. The Turks and Caicos is fortunate to be the latest country to align themselves with such worthy and noble organizations for women’s protection.
The TCI joined IANSA for the week of June 15 -21 in declaring war on violence against women, especially gun violence. This was kicked off with a rally in Providenciales on June 15th with a rally through the streets of Providenciales with various organizations carrying placards to end the violence against women, followed by a gathering at the Gustavus Lightbourne Ballpark with a number of speeches led by the Director of Gender Affairs who started off with shouts of “Not another one!!” In English, Spanish and French. These words rang out throughout the evening, as many speakers were on hand to denounce the violent crimes against women.
On Day 2 a workshop was held at the Environmental Center with a number of women on the theme ‘Women Communicating with Women’, facilitated by WINAD’s President, Folade Mutota, who flew in from Trinidad to give support to the women of the Turks and Caicos Islands as they continue to fight and become the agents of change for their own empowerment and self worth.
For many, this was very personal, but therapeutic - as they gave personal testimonies of their life experiences with domestic violence and sexual abuse with many speaking of their loss of love ones to gun violence. In the final analysis attendees, decided on the way forward after completion of the campaign to ensure that their objectives were met.
The main focus will be to continue the dialogue with all women, especially Spanish and French women; Hold out-reach meetings with our young men and continue to hear the concerns of the youth; Ensure that persons in position include women in the decision-making process; Disseminate information through the media and other information outlets so that people will continue to be aware of what is happening in their communities; Encourage persons to report cases of violence; Educate women, especially migrant women of their rights; Encourage community policing, have a relationships with the Police; Get to know our neighbours; and know the persons whom we allow to come into our space.
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