Latest update April 20th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 14, 2016 Letters
Dear Editor,
Every time I read in the Guyanese news media regarding the death of yet another female, the victim of domestic abuse, I can’t help while struggling to subdue my internal anguish, to somehow call on the women to be more selective in their choice of mates. Currently, there exists in Guyana an urgent need for the females, especially the young ones, to be taught the finer points of partner selection, as data reveals that they have been paying fatally for poor selectivity. We cannot allow this to continue. Why are the women making these bad choices over and over again? I am however mindful of the fact that in the majority of cases economic vulnerability does restrict their ability to be independent thereby forcing them to operate under the “before none, any” rationale when choosing a partner. Yet, as we head towards International Women’s Day I am sending out an impassioned plea to my Guyanese sisters to begin the process of rigorous self – scrutiny. Are you living up to expectations, worthy of being called a female, or has your self- esteem reached such a pitiable level that you would settle for anything that bore the slightest resemblance to the opposite sex?
The time is at hand to put into motion the change promised by the present government, in the form of a comprehensive national approach geared at empowering females. The promotion of the economic empowerment of women is also vital. Many women in Guyana find it difficult to support and sustain themselves and their families. This economic vulnerability restricts their ability to be independent and to access justice. Not for a nano of a second should it be forgotten that not only are females the bedrock but also the nurturers of our society. Society would collapse in the absence of women. The advice or word of caution is LOOK. On a more serious note given the paramount difference between life and death—Choosing a mate may be worth a hesitate! The killings have always been attributed to love. This is the message that is often thrown to the public’s ear following each death. The public is led to believe, and it probably seems reasonable to some is that love caused the man to kill the woman. Totally unreasonable! What a load of cotswollop. The truth is a plain as daylight; men do not kill out of love, but out of a desire to control. “If I can’t have you, then no one will” is the common refrain uttered by abusive partners. Another well-known fact is that females are at the most risk when they announce or try to leave their abusive partners.
Did a broken heart lead them to commit homicide? No it is simply a matter of control, wherein lies the thinking that they own the female. Yes, again men who kill their partners tend to be possessive, jealous controlling testosterone carriers with a strong sense of entitlement. These men would rather see the woman dead than face the reality of rejection, or the notion that women are free agents who can make choices about their lives. When we talk about domestic violence or violence against women as passionate, or something attached to love and heartache, the more we excuse things like male entitlement.
I am overly reluctant to purchase at any cost the idea of death being due to crime of passion. Women (and men too) have had their hearts broken in the most unfair and grotesque manner, and yet the woman has not sought to remedy it by killing the perpetrator(s). Today in Guyana domestic violence is a gendered crime and we must treat it as such. No longermust the blatant truth be disguised, as it will only lead to further violence. I am hereby calling on all the appropriate governmental agencies, pastors, community leaders, parents, teachers, mentors, role models, etc. to take a serious look, or a more thorough view at this issue, and assist in stemming the tide.
The time is ripe for putting the wheel of change in motion- to institute a comprehensive national approach beginning with our females, from as early as elementary school that would empower them to make the correct choices when choosing a partner. Choosing a mate may be worth a hesitate!
Yvonne Sam.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 20, 2024
– Elton Dharry and Dexter Marques to headline tonight’s card Kaieteur Sports – The Everest Cricket Club pavilion crackled with tension yesterday as the Guyana Boxing Board hosted its...Kaieteur News – Once a habit has been drilled into you, it returns almost automatically when you return to the setting... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]