FIRST Lady Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar is calling for an end to violence against women, standing firm to her belief that no society can move forward or can be at peace with itself where human dignity is under threat.

“When women, the bearers of life, are disrespected and violated, this strikes a blow against the dignity of the individual,” she said in a statement yesterday to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Following is the full text of the First Lady’s message:
I AM pleased to issue this message in observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. While globally considerable strides have been made in sensitising publics and calling greater attention to the scourge of violence perpetuated against females, there is still considerable work to be done in the global campaign for the respect of the bodily and emotional integrity of women.
Despite the many challenges that are faced in this campaign I am, however, extremely heartened by the resolve there is both nationally, regionally and internationally to combat violence against women. In Guyana, a great many groups and individuals are on the frontlines advocating for stronger action to be taken against perpetrators of violence against women. They are also in the forefront of efforts at offering counselling and succor to the victims of violence, particularly the victims of domestic violence.
I urge all Guyana to support these efforts because violence against women, if left unchecked, will reproduce problems in other areas of national life. When women, the bearers of life, are disrespected and violated, this strikes a blow against the dignity of the individual. No society can move forward or can be at peace with itself where human dignity is under threat.
It is my hope therefore that on this International Day For The Elimination of Violence Against Women that we will redouble our efforts in ridding our society and the world of this travesty.
May this day provide encouragement to all those involved in the fight to eliminate violence against women!