It is no secret that Guyana still has much to do when it comes to the dismantling of patriarchy, as well as upholding the tenets of Women’s Rights, and Human Rights in general. However, as with almost all solid and successful revolutions, the initiative must begin with the people and not necessarily with the government, although the government’s role can be crucial to achieving great change. That being said, the people of Guyana must surely be aware that patriarchy still reigns despite us being in the 21st Century and all. I mean, women are still facing domestic violence; many women and girls are raped; and catcalling has become an epidemic that is promoted by teenagers as much as they are by the stereotypical creepy old men on our street corners.
“Do any of those abusers not know about Women’s Rights?” I can hear you saying, offended and concerned at my implication that the great beacon known as Feminism, which reminds us of these existing rights and our need to implement them, does not burn so brightly in our country. Sometimes, even the women themselves do not know of or are not concerned about Feminism. “What do you mean? Feminism does exist in this country! I signed a petition once!” I can hear someone else screaming at me. Yes, there are definitely several groups and individuals who are feminist in ideology and actions, and who seek to ensure that all of a woman’s rights are protected in this country. However, it remains that due to the lack of support from both a governmental and grassroots level, Guyanese Feminism, in my opinion remains almost an abstraction in the minds of most of the Guyanese people. And before someone else intrudes into this conversation, it is important to say that I wish the situation was different, but it is not. While work IS being done, we cannot doubt that there is much more that can be done, much more that needs to be done.
This now brings me to new, upcoming group of activists who are geared towards creating a change in both the people’s perception of Human Rights as well as the implementation and upholding of such rights: the Student Society Against Human Rights Violations (SAHRV).
I can feel the Guyanese people coming together in way that has not been seen since the last social media scandal to raise their eyebrows at my mention of SAHRV. “SAHRV? I have never heard of that.” Yes, well, you will be hearing a lot about them in the days to come. The group was formed by three students at the University of Guyana (UG): Akola Thompson, Alessandra Hereman and Diana Cruickshank and the aims of the groups, while multifaceted and varied, can be whittled down to the purpose stated in the name of the group. If, at this point, you are dismissive of SAHRV on account of it being formed and governed by UG students, then allow me to ask: Why are there still folks who become immediately dismissive of the attempts by young people to do what is right? And what were you doing with your time at college? Did you attempt to form a group that aimed to fight for Human Rights, or did you launch a march to raise awareness for issues affecting our girls and women while simultaneously trying to dismantle the patriarchy? No? I didn’t think so. In any case, that is exactly what SAHRV aims to do.
SAHRV has organized “A March for Girls” in solidarity with similar regional marches. Guyana will be joining various other countries in the Caribbean, such as Jamaica and Barbados, on March 11th. Meant to advocate for comprehensive sexual education in schools, bring awareness to various areas of reproductive health care, as well bringing awareness of LGBT rights and the call to legalize sex work, as well as existing as a resistance to all forms domestic violence, the March will begin at 3 PM at the Stabroek Market Square. “A March for Girls” comes from a movement known as the #LifeInLeggings movement which was started by Ronelle King. #LifeInLeggings has had quite the impact within the region, with many women (and men) in various countries becoming involved with it in various ways including, as SAHRV has, through marches like “A March for Girls.” To the persons who are saying at this very moment, “What is #LifeInLeggings?”, I say to you that if you are young, with enough time and internet access to allow yourselves to know the “Cash Me Ousside” Girl, but have somehow remained blind to #LifeInLeggings, I urge you to slap away the hands of the man covering your eyes and quickly mobilize yourself and your peers so you can learn about, and contribute to, activities, groups and movements in the Caribbean that are striving to make the region a better place for girls and women. Better yet, join the march and contribute to all the aims of SAHRV and the #LifeInLeggings movement which, as pointed out by one of the founders of SAHRV, Akola Thompson are numerous but are also “interconnected issues” that come together to contribute to the problems we face here.
Thompson also goes on to say that she hopes the march helps to bring the messages of her group and of the march itself to the people rather than having the people come to them. She likens SAHRV’s method as being similar to “Groundings” where they go out into the communities and speak to the people directly, rather than talking to them through another medium, such as television, which is kind of removed and lacks the personal interaction between those engaged in the conversation.
“A March for Girls” will host several speakers, including survivors of rape who will bravely tell their stories, an individual who will using karate as a way of teaching girls and women how to defend themselves, as well Nadia Sagar, lawyer and activist, and Twinkle Bissoon, trans rights activist. The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Guyanese Girls Rock and Child Link are all various organizations that have come on board as partners to support the march, which is expected to move from Stabroek Market all the way down Brickdam to the Square of the Revolution. It might seem like a bit of a long walk, but whoever said the path to ending patriarchy was going to be a short, easy romp?
In order for this march to be a success, people need to attend. Men and women, children, anyone who is passionate about raising awareness and helping to create a better state for girls and women, are encouraged to turn out, to learn, and to stand up for an important cause.