CAN you recall me asking last week what was celebrated on November 25th? I hope you did your research, because it was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.

This day is also known as ‘Orange Day’ when persons wear the colour orange to help spread awareness of the ongoing issue of violence against women and children. This act is so heinous that it is sometimes considered a hate crime.
The issue of gender-based violence and abuse comes in many forms– psychological, physical, sexual and emotional. The psychological aspect of it deals with the mind–what we think and how we think.

A person may psychologically abuse you by intentionally causing fear, trauma and mental instabilities within you; same with the emotional aspect– always raising those negative emotions. As we know, the sexual abuse is caused by forcing someone into sexual activities without their consent; and the physical aspect includes the beating/lashing, strangling, in Guyanese terminology– ‘licks’. From rape to sexual harassment, domestic violence– they are all gender-based violence as the majority of victims are women.

We remember those women who have lost their lives at the hands of a man that they once trusted. It is saddening to look at the headlines every week, seeing a woman being killed or abused by her partner. However, one must wonder how do women actually end up with partners like these? There are good men, don’t get me wrong, but that is not the point of my writing this week. The caregiver and parents are supposed to be the sole providers of a child’s needs. Children should be nourished in all aspects of life (mentally, emotionally physically). A child is unable to provide for her/himself fully. As such, parents and guardians of children under the age of 18 have this sole responsibility.

On Monday, November 26th, the entire Social Work Department at the University of Guyana (Berbice Campus) collaborated to raise awareness through a road march, an anti-violence programme and an exhibition. Just like us, you can all help to eradicate gender-based violence by looking out for your friends and family. Some signs you can keep an eye out for are: if the person always has an excuse for marks and bruises on their skins; low self-esteem; a controlling partner; and little to no participation in social activities. Most importantly, I’d like for you all to look out for yourselves. Choose your partners wisely.

I urge everyone to join the fight and get into advocating for this detrimental act. Start your own campaign, take your message to social media, share information with your friends and family.
Women are so much more than just sexual toys and a man’s playing field for when he’s bored. We’re human beings and we deserve to be treated that way. Women and children have been seen as vulnerable and inferior to men for centuries. Our society and culture as mentioned last week plays a major role in how we move forward with issues such as these. All I can say is that I refuse to be part of any culture that promotes inequality and violence; it’s 2018– certainly not the dark ages.

Before I go, I’d like you all to read this wonderful poem written by Rupi Kaur. It’s a beautiful message for all my female readers and if you’re a male, share this with all of your female friends and family:

‘I want to apologise to all the women I’ve called pretty,
Before I’ve called them intelligent or brave,
I am sorry I made it sound as though
Something as simple as what you’re born with is the most you have to be proud of when your spirit has crushed mountains,
From now on I will say things like, you are extraordinary,
Not because I don’t think you are pretty,
But because you are so much more than that.’

If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, please contact the nearest police officer, nurse, doctor or any other public servant and they will then refer you to the relevant personnel.