SG Carla Barnett denounces violence against women, calls for prevention

The Secretary-General of CARICOM- Dr Carla Barnett, advised everyone to invest in preventing violence against women and girls. She asked everyone to empower the vulnerable groups to have access to the education and quality healthcare services.

Dr Barnett joined the world to celebrate the 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, which embarked on 25th November and will continue till 10th December 2023.

Four important observances that this campaign comprises:

– The International Day for the elimination of Violence against women on 25th November
– Human Rights Defenders Day on 29th November
– World AIDS Day on 1st December
– Human Rights Day on 10th December.

Dr Barnett stated that, these important days emphasise taking measures in order to prevent violence against women and girls so that they can live a peaceful life and enjoy all their human rights.

It was also mentioned by the Secretary General, that, “In 1991, the campaign was started at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. In 2008, the UN Secretary–General launched the UNITE campaign by 2030 to support this civil society-led initiative.”

The motto of this campaign was to end violence against women, which runs parallel to the campaign of 16 days.

Dr Barnett also shed light on this year’s theme – Unite! Invest in preventing violence against women and girls.

The Secretary general stated that, “This theme focuses on the significance of financing different strategies to stop the violence against women and girls.”

It was also mentioned by Dr Barnett that this theme is aligned with the Commission on the Status of Women’s priority theme, which emphasizes “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and enhancing the institutions and funding with a gender perspective”.

Dr Barnett made a request to everyone, which includes- development partners, women’s organizations, civil society organizations, youth, the media and the private sector, to join and be a part of this campaign against Violence against women and girls.

The violence against women and girls has escalated a lot, especially during the COVID–19 pandemic; women were forced to live in the same place as their abusers, as stated by Dr Barnett.

While requesting everyone, Dr Barnett asked to invest in the prevention programmes, education and support services in order to break the cycle of violence.

Moreover, Dr Barnett has asked everyone to wear orange colour throughout this 16-day campaign, which will reflect the hope for a brighter future so that every woman and girl can live their life free from any violence.