Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 29, 2015 APNU Column, Features / Columnists
The International community recognises the period November 25 – December 10 as a period where efforts are mounted to end violence against women and girls around the World. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s record of advocacy on this subject remains clear; gender-based violence is never acceptable. We believe that women and girls must be protected so that they can be assured of achieving their full human potential.
In Guyana, women are not achieving their full potential; they continue to perform the majority of unwaged work; occupy the majority of the lowest-paid and least regulated jobs; are far more subject to domestic violence, sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The constraints that limit women’s collective capacity are sometimes firmly entrenched in the fabric of our society. These include gender discrimination, mental and emotional abuse, limited access to finance for the promotion of entrepreneurial activity, and insufficient protection under the current legal system.
In the manifesto crafted by A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) several critical challenges were identified and the Coalition committed itself to a progressive women’s agenda.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
It was recognised that many women and girls suffer in silence because the abuser is the sole provider in the home. Empowering women economically was seen as pivotal in transferring financial independence to women in society.
The Coalition promised to achieve this goal by:
· working closely with local and international bodies to:
· increasing women’s entrepreneurial activities; and increasing micro-credit and access to small business loans.
· promoting gender-friendly banking services, especially in the area of loans to women; establishing job centres in each administrative region to facilitate job search and employment matching.
THE LAW
It was also recognised that laws pertaining to the protection of women needed to be addressed.
· A family court to adjudicate matters pertaining to women was seen as an absolute necessity.
· The enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act.
· The establishment at all police stations of a Special Victims Unit (SVU) with trained officers and qualified social workers to handle crimes against women. Changes in the law and the way the law is enforced, so that charges can be instituted against a perpetrator without the victims consent.
· Special training for the Judiciary and Magistracy on the detection and the consequences of domestic violence, on the family and the society at large, and the necessity for the expedited determination of these cases.
EDUCATION
After several decades it is an acceptable fact that education is an important pillar in the eradication of interpersonal violence.
Education for men and boys – The developing of appropriate programmes to help transform negative male values, practices and beliefs into positives and build a new generation of men and boys who can serve as respectful and respected citizens, parents, leaders and positive role models throughout the society.
Education for women – especially remedial education focusing on literacy, numeracy and matriculation. Encourage women to enter non-traditional areas of employment including Information Technology, auto mechanics, electrical repairs, carpentry/construction and to enter technical training institutes.
The school curriculum must be strengthened to include increase awareness of Women’s Rights. We must promote respect for women and positive coverage of women in all media.
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY
The time has come for the establishment of a ‘hotline’ where reports can be made of domestic abuse. The establishment in each region of Transition Houses for victims of domestic violence (including all forms of abuse, rape and incest) is important.
These support facilities will provide long term accommodation for women and their children, financial support, on location counselling, job search and skills training.
Also imperative is the establishment of a network of Clinics with trained Psychologists and social workers to counsel the battered and otherwise abused women. Hospital and medical centres must also have on their roster a strong cadre of well-trained counsellors and Medical Social Workers who are equipped to identify and work with abused women and girls.
Female police officers at each station must be trained and empowered to provide one-on-one support to victims of violence. At the community level, workshops should be held on stress management, conflict resolution and communication techniques.
Due to the stigma that is currently attached to women who are abused, it would be advisable for hospitals and medical centres to have confidential priority wards to ensure victims of abuse receive immediate medical attention, in a protective environment. These facilities must be staffed by specially trained professionals who can offer confidential support services, and security personnel where and when necessary.
The foregoing will be costly, but to do nothing will be even more expensive. Providing the basis for girls and boys, women and men to achieve their full human potential free from violence is both a moral imperative and a requirement for economic and social development which uses the potential and serves the interest of all the people.
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