SVGTU examines violence against women, children

The Gender Committee of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU), on May 15, hosted a workshop on the theme “Stop the violence against women and children,” at the Frenches House, Kingstown.{{more}}

The large audience of teachers students and youths, heard impressive addresses from President Oswald Robinson and Secretary Margaret Jackson of the teachers’ union, Chief Education Officer Lou-anne Gilchrist, and Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Gender Affairs.

All touched on the importance of eliminating all forms of violence in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Gilchrist had high praises for the Union for organising the activity, and noted that it fitted in well with the agenda of the Ministry of Education. She further made a pledge to meet with the Union’s executive to discuss follow-up activities coming out of the workshop.

Presenters at the workshop included Assistant Superintendent of Police Johnathan Nichols who touched on forms of domestic

violence and the law; education officer Dixton Findlay, who spoke on the impact of the economic conditions on the family and women; and social worker Nelcia Robinson who spoke on strategies for reducing the level of domestic violence in the state of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

There was no representative from the Gender Affairs Division, which was to make a presentation.

The activity was the first for the Gender Committee of the SVGTU under the new executive committee headed by Oswald Robinson, elected in 2012.