–Min Ally urges at ‘16 Days of Activism’ launch in East Berbice

MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally, on Friday called on Berbicians to help stop the violence against women and girls by speaking out.
“We must speak out against violence, we must support survivors and commemorate the victims,” she said.

“We must stand together in our commitment to end violence against our women and girls in all forms. Together we can and will make the progress needed to eliminate this scourge on our society,” she told the sizeable gathering of mainly schoolchildren at the Albion Sports Complex for the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

An event observed the world over come this time of year, it begins on November 24 with the commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on December 10 with the marking of International Human Rights Day.
As Minister Ally observed during her address, gender-based violence can never be acceptable, since it’s a grave violation of the most basic of human rights.

Noting that the Ministry of Social Protection is prepared to do whatever it takes necessary to eradicate this scourge from these shores, Minister Ally said that for starters, they will, in collaboration with partner agencies, be embarking shortly on several activities to raise public awareness and mobilise all stakeholders throughout Guyana to bring about change.
Noting also that Indigenous women and girls are particularly subject to violence of every sort, Minister Ally said such behaviour will no longer be tolerated.

“This campaign for the elimination of violence against women is a social, political and civil duty for us all; whatever our posts are or whatever aspect of life we operate in, we should all combat this plague,” Minister Ally said, adding:
“As minister of social protection, I deem it as my duty, as well as the duty of all in Guyana, to focus our efforts towards achieving equality between men and women and eliminating domination and violence against women.
“These women are our mothers, sisters, wives, family and relatives; they are a key segment of the society.”

She also called on the men to speak out also, whether against violence or gender inequality, as it is crtical to do so if Guyana is to move forward as a nation.
“I am optimistic that the campaign for the elimination of domestic violence in general, and violence against women in particular will be successful, and I urge everyone to be supportive of this important initiative,” Minister Ally said in closing.

“On this day, I urge all Guyanese to make a commitment to stop the violence against women and girls. You can start by taking a pledge to end all forms of violence. I believe that together, we can create a Guyana and a world where all citizens are respected, valued equally, and [are] safe from violence,” she added.

She was not the only one to make an impassioned plea to end the violence, as the Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, also lent her voice to the cause.

“We can put a stop to this! Guyana has laws, and we must demand strict enforcement of those laws against perpetrators of violence against girls and women,” she said.
“But this is not a problem that can be successfully solved by governmental authorities alone; it requires a collective effort by all stakeholders.

“Our academics can help us to understand the issues, and to adopt approaches leading to effective solutions. Social workers and religious leaders can lend themselves to providing professional assistance and moral and spiritual comfort to those suffering from violence.”
She specifically called upon the media to be responsible in their reportage, and help be the watchdogs of victims. “I appeal to the media not to sensationalise acts of gender-based violence, but rather to help in warning aggressive, arrogant or unapproachable males of the consequences of physical violence,” Mrs Nagamootoo said, adding:

“No more must we condone any public official threatening in public to ‘slap and strip’ women activists. Persons who are vulnerable to such violence must be educated about their rights and, also about the many avenues through which they could escape from harm’s way.

“Yes! We need each and every link in the chain to be in good working condition, so I welcome this ceremony and exhibition to observe ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.”