How a Grassroots NGO is providing support and empowerment for domestic violence survivors and mental health awareness in Guyana

WITH more initiatives, events, and NGOs highlighting the struggles of women internationally this month, Pepperpot Magazine sat down with one such organisation. Since June 2024, the Uplift U Foundation has been working tirelessly to break the cycle of domestic violence and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Founded by Nebiola Gittens and a team of dedicated members, the organisation has become a lifeline for survivors, offering emotional support, financial aid, and empowerment programmes. With firsthand experiences fuelling their passion, these women are not just raising awareness—they are actively creating safe spaces for those in need.

Founder Nebiola Gittens shared that the inspiration for the foundation came from personal experiences. Born into a large family, she witnessed gender-based violence and its lasting impact, including mental health struggles and, in some cases, suicide. In her conversation with Pepperpot Magazine, she explained, “The driving force behind it was, for me personally, the lack of awareness about mental health issues and the limited support available. I wanted to create a foundation that focuses on building awareness, providing support, empowering women, and conducting outreach in areas that need it most.”

The Uplift U Foundation also places a strong emphasis on mental health awareness, a topic that is deeply personal for Nebiola. She recalled one painful experience: “I’ve known so many people who struggled with mental health issues. There was one young woman I tried to reach out to, but she ultimately took her own life. It was heartbreaking.” These firsthand experiences, coupled with the national fight against domestic and gender-based violence, led to the creation of Uplift U.

A Grassroots Beginning
The foundation started in Nebiola’s home in Alexander Village, where a small group of women would meet to discuss challenges and explore ways to help survivors. Whether assisting a woman in a dangerous relationship or someone struggling with emotional well-being, Uplift U has always fostered essential conversations in a safe space. “For me, building awareness is important. And I know that the members of this organisation share that same passion and drive—not to completely solve these issues, but to champion the cause,” she stated.

Since its inception, the foundation has doubled in size, now boasting over 20 members dedicated to supporting women facing various challenges. As Nebiola puts it, “We believe that while we’re empowering others, we must also empower ourselves—because we can’t pour from an empty cup.” Many members are survivors of domestic violence, mothers, and full-time professionals who understand the stress and seemingly impossible hurdles life throws at women. “We all have moments of stress, and simple life issues can push us to a breaking point if they are not addressed,” she said.

Taking Action
Over the past several months, Uplift U has hosted multiple events aimed at raising awareness and connecting victims with the right support systems. The foundation is not just about walks, campaigns, and events—it focuses on real, tangible assistance. “If a woman is in a domestic violence situation, I reach out to my resources. I call people, figure out what we can do—can we involve the police? What does she need? We look at what we can offer, whether it’s financial support, emotional support, counselling, or even housing. In some cases, members have opened their own homes to women in crisis,” Nebiola stated.

The foundation is also open to collaborations, especially with men, as they recognise that domestic violence extends beyond intimate relationships. “As a woman, I can’t fully relate to a man’s experiences. I understand the surface-level struggles, but I don’t know what it’s like to be a man. However, this issue isn’t just about husbands and wives—it affects mothers, sisters, friends. If a man wants to join our cause and help champion it, we welcome that.”

Accelerate Her
Another driving force behind the foundation is Vice President Sarah Singh, who is equally passionate about addressing gender-based violence and mental health. One of their upcoming initiatives is “Accelerate Her,” a picnic and conference—the first of its kind for the organisation. The event is slated to take place on March 22 at the Thirst Park Ruimveldt Ground. “There’s not enough light shed on these topics, so we’re doing our best to change that,” Sarah stated.

The rainbow-themed event will go beyond just speeches—it will connect attendees with mental health professionals, social workers, and counsellors. Additionally, the event will feature a unique self-defence session led by martial arts instructor Roland Eudoxie.

Sarah emphasised that the goal is to ensure that issues like domestic violence and mental health are not just treated as campaign slogans but as ongoing conversations and actions in society. “A lot of the women in this organisation are survivors. And I say ‘survivors’ because some of them went through truly horrific situations. Since the start of the year, we’ve seen so many domestic violence cases. The message is ‘leave to live,’ but then—where do they go? Who helps them? That’s why we want people to come out, learn, and understand,” Sarah said.

A Future of Empowerment
Through its work, Uplift U Foundation is proving that real change begins at the community level. By offering a safe space, fostering critical conversations, and providing real support, Nebiola and her team are making a difference—one woman at a time. As the foundation continues to grow, its mission remains the same: to uplift, empower, and create a future where no woman has to suffer in silence.