THE Government of Guyana has joined with the rest of the world in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. According to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, a number of activities will be held by her ministry to kick-start 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence under the theme ‘Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now.’

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is an annual event which is observed on November 25 each year. According to the United Nations, more than 70 per cent of women worldwide have experienced some form of gender-based violence. The records show that women are more likely to be murdered in their homes at the hands of abusive husbands or spouses.

In Guyana, the situation regarding gender-based violence is cause for concern. A survey in 2019 found that one in five or 20 per cent of women have experienced non-partner sexual abuse in their life time with 13 per cent having reported experiencing such abuse before age 18.

These are alarming statistics. Such killings transcend colour, race or nationality and are due in large measure to gender prejudice which is fuelling acts of violence towards women and girls. Many of these attacks go unreported because of cultural factors such as shame, stigma, fear and a perception of a justice system that does not work for women.

According to United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, violence against women is not inevitable and with right policies and programmes there could be good results. Among these are long-term policies and programmes that tackle the root cause of violence against women and promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls by way of stronger legislation and judicial actions.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adversely on vulnerable groups including women and girls. Feelings of safety and security both economic and emotional have been eroded because of the pandemic and there are cases of increased sexual harassment.

The PPP/C administration, in recognition of the problems of gender-based violence has enacted in 1996 the Domestic Violence Act which is aimed at strengthening the protection of women from domestic violence. The scope of the legislation is broad enough to include all forms of violence including verbal, physical, sexual, emotional and psychological.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has indicated that Guyana’s approach to gender-based violence is deeply embedded in ensuring compliance with the country’s domestic laws and fulfilling international obligations. He pointed out that the gender-based violence taskforce has been re-activated and that the implementation of a National Plan of Action against gender-based violence remains a priority of his administration.

These are indeed commendable initiatives on the part of the PPP/C administration in the protection of our women and girls against gender-based violence.