Speech to mark ‘International Day to End Violence Against Women’

Tue Nov 25, 2014

by Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs Frederick Stephenson

November 25, 2014

A very pleasant good morning to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines and those listening in the diaspora as we join the rest of the world on the occasion of the observance of International Day to End Violence Against Women, today, Tuesday, 25th November 2014. I am more pleased to address the women of the nation who have been victims of violence. It is particularly gratifying to know that the Ministry of National Mobilization and, by extension, the Gender Affairs Division, stand at the forefront of our nation’s fight to end violence against our women and our girls.{{more}}

What is the origin of this day?

The origins of November 25th go back to 1960, when the three Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic were violently assassinated for their political activism. The sisters, known as the “Unforgettable Butterflies,” became a symbol of the crisis of violence against women in Latin America. November 25th was the date chosen to commemorate their lives and promote global recognition of gender violence, and has been observed in Latin America since the 1980s.

This day’s observance highlights the role that the all of us; governments, the business community, NGOs, FBOs, the church, civil society and private entities can play from developing projects, to providing direct financial support to organizations, and embracing the principles of the development of policies and laws in response to the scourge of violence that has plagued us over the years.

On this day, let us acknowledge the efforts of the women of the world and more specifically the women of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who are working every day to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their societies. Unfortunately, statistics show that too many women still suffer abuse by the hands of their intimate partners or people they know. The issue of rape and other forms of sexual violence cannot be condoned; it must be condemned. We live in a beautiful country with good and decent people, but sad to say, a minority is causing the nation a very bad name on the international arena and we must do all in our powers to arrest this very worrying and vexing problem. Today is an important opportunity to redouble our efforts to ensure that women are accorded fullest respect. There is a need for the men in our society to be inspired to change their perspectives on our women. Too often we see the lack of respect of women in the form of domestic violence.

Today I am urging and challenging all men to love, honour and respect our women and our women to love, honour and respect our men.

I want to remind us all that:

Violence against women is a human rights violation.

Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women.

Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security.

Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential.

Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic.

My Government continues to place women at the forefront of its developmental thrust and therefore supports the progress that they have made in this regard over the years.

Let me recognize the work of the Gender Affairs Division of my Ministry, with partners such as the National Council of Women and other NGOs to develop programmes that have positively impacted lives and result in increased development of women. Over the years, women have benefitted from significant improvements in education, health and also in areas of highest decision-making.

During this year my Ministry has held several workshops, seminars, community discussions on violence against women and we have also drafted a National Action Plan on Violence against Women to strengthen state accountability and community action. We are awaiting the final report and I intend to have that Action Plan rolled out by June 2015.

Government has accorded high priority to the reduction of domestic violence and violence against women in all forms. In this regard, the work of the Family Court is strongly promoted within the society and women are encouraged to seek redress in circumstances of abuse.

The opening of the Crisis Centre has provided a home of safety for the vulnerable population, especially women and girls, and has also provided the closest possible accommodation that resembles an environment that would allow residents to begin the healing process which is required to help them lead productive and fulfilling lives. This institution would serve as a place of rehabilitation and for strengthening of persons who can eventually become worthwhile citizens. Through the operations of this Centre, many lives have been spared the turmoil of abandonment, and intangible benefits of self-confidence, high self-esteem and self worth.

The Ministry supports efforts to increase legal and judicial protection for our women and girls and is working very closely with the Attorney General’s Chambers to have the Domestic Violence Bill passed in parliament. We continue to work with other ministries and departments to build health sector capacity, to respond to sexual and gender-based violence and we are strengthening our fight to curb human trafficking.

On Sunday, I listened to a caller on a radio programme who said that they went to the police to make a report and the police response was that it was a domestic problem and they can’t deal with it. I want to remind the police that they have a duty and a responsibility to accept and investigate every report made to them. Remember if you fail in your duties, lives can be lost and your conscience will be your guide.

In the same way I want to appeal to persons who make reports to the police that you too have a duty to ensure that the process is carried out. Don’t go to the police and then when the matter is investigated and brought before the court you refuse to give the evidence.

The penalty for rape is life imprisonment; the penalty for having sex with a child under the age of 13 is life imprisonment; and for a girl under the age of 15 it is five years. Offences relating to physical violence e.g. wounding and causing grievous bodily harm, carry a penalty of 14 years.

The offences are there and once convicted, the penalties will fit the crime.

On this International Day to End Violence against Women, I urge all: Governments, civil society, the corporate sector, individuals to take responsibility for eradicating violence against women and girls and to eradicating and reducing violence on a whole. Let us acknowledge the widespread and growing efforts to address this scourge.

We have seen efforts to empower women gaining new urgency: in Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States, from Asia to Africa, world leaders, musicians, sports personalities, the media, public and private organizations, and ordinary citizens are doing more to protect women and girls and promote their empowerment and rights.

My Government remains committed at the local level and wherever possible at the regional level: by strengthening efforts already highlighted and the acceleration of activities toward the realization of ending gender based violence. Ending Violence Against Women is also one of the 12 critical areas of concern raised in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995, concluding in nine strategic objectives framed as a means of holding governments accountable for women and girls’ rights.

As we celebrate this day IDEVAW, let us reaffirm and redouble our commitment to promote public policies that can contribute to ending violence against women. Let us engage our men and boys in discussions on this issue. I feel it is important so to do.

The Ministry will continue the commemoration of 16 days of activities, which run from today November 25 to December 10. Several activities will be held, including visits to schools, church services, radio discussions, visits to the Lewis Punnett Home, hospital among others. I urge all to participate in one or more of these activities. Today between the hours of 9-12 noon there will be a day vigil at the Kingstown Vegetable Market; all are invited.

I take this opportunity on behalf of the Government, the Ministry of National Mobilization to wish us all a safe and violence free day to end violence in all its forms and more importantly, violence against women. Let SVG be the first country in the region and the world to reduce violence to nil. I know we can. The Black Stalin reminds us, “We can make it if we try, but we must try a little harder.” And the words of the Bible say to us, a Christian nation, “turn the other cheek.” Let us reconcile our differences and seek forgiveness. “Love is the answer to all of today’s problems,” words by Alston Beckett Cyrus.

I love you and thank you.

God bless St Vincent and the Grenadines.