ON THIS ‘Mothers’ Day’, we urge a greater resolve by all those in authority, and all sections of our society, to help in curbing, if not altogether stamping out, the sickening, tragic crimes of rape and domestic violence against women.
The media, local and foreign, are frequently filled with reports of the horrors, the barbarism of rape victims, among them even small children, as well as the brutal, vicious violence inflicted against women, in and out of the home.
The government, and parliamentarians in general, must be commended for the interest demonstrated to have legislation in place to more effectively deal with domestic violence.
When the Family Court begins functioning in its welcome new facilities, we will look forward to more expeditious hearings and appropriate punishment in cases involving sexual and physical violence that often result in destroying family units with their spreading negative effects at workplaces and social relations in general.
Too many women, mothers, young and old, continue to be brutalised, even while some of them are heading households to care for children and even grandchildren abandoned by their fathers.
They are among the brave and decent women of our society, of all ethnicities, social status and faiths who heroically survive the male cowards that physically and mentally disrupt their lives. We salute these womenfolk.
The role models, of course, are much more than the survivors of domestic violence and those who overcame the nightmares of rape and domestic cruelty to set fine examples of what it means to be a good mother, good grandmother, or female guardian. We salute them.
It is also appropriate to commend, today, the exemplary work being done by various women’s organisations that, despite limited resources at their disposal, remain dedicated to keeping hope alive against all forms of domestic violence that affect more than family life.
To all mothers across Guyana, we, therefore, take this opportunity to salute you on this your ‘special day’, and wish the best for you and family.
In the meantime, we will continue to hope that all fathers, whose own special ‘day’ soon comes, will also strive with all mothers to forge more loving and productive relations in the interest of family and country.