“UNiTE to End Violence against Women” camapign launched in the Caribbean

The campaign which was launched at the conference “Strengthening Accountability and Changing Culture to End Violence Against Women,” gathered together from within the Caribbean; Attorneys-General, members of the Judiciary, senior representatives of police forces and civil society organisations. The two days marked the launch of the campaign and considered and built consensus on legal and policy initiatives to better protect, prevent and punch gender-based violence.

The UN Secretary-General Campaign ‘UNiTE to End Violence against Women’, 2008 to 2015 was launched with the goal of raising public awareness and increasing political will and resources, to respond and help prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls all over the world. The campaign hopes to unite governments, civil society, women’s organisations, UN entities among others with the objective of achieving five specific goals in all countries by 2015. These include the adoption and enforcement of national laws to address and punish all forms of violence against women and girls, the adoption and implementation of multi-sectoral national action plans an increased public awareness and social mobilisation.

Globally between 15 and 76 percent of women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, most of this violence takes place within intimate partner relationships, with many women (ranging from 9 to 70 percent) reporting their husbands or partners as the perpetrator, (UNIFEM). Violence experienced by women affects self-esteem, health and increases isolation, lack of power and information. All of this makes women, especially young women vulnerable to HIV and AIDS.

In the Caribbean the situation is no different. Together with Latin America the statistics for the region are alarming – 9 countries in the region are among the 11 countries globally where the majority of women murdered, are recorded. The work of the UN in the region has been geared at addressing this issue, among others, through knowledge and capacity building, and partnerships. It is hoped that with the launch of the campaign that their work will be strengthened and the underlying reasons surrounding violence against women will be addressed.

Following the Caribbean YWCAs’ Regional Training Institute that was held in the region in May 2009 under the theme “Caribbean Women Creating Safe and Secure Communities: United to end Violence Against Women and the Spread of HIV”, Member Associations developed a regional strategy on violence against women, Sexual and Reproductive Heath and Rights (SRHR) and HIV, including raising awareness and comprehensive prevention programming. “This invitation is an indication of the YWCA’s credibility in Barbados and in the region on the issue of violence against women,” said Marie Claude Julsaint, Regional Director the Americas..

On October 14, Mrs Rice-Bowen will also be part of a panel “Engaging men as partners and agents of change.” The panel, which is an initiative, of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Barbados, will bring together men and women to discuss why it is important to have men involved and not condone, commit or keep silent against any form of violence against women.

 At the RTI, the Caribbean YWCAs affirmed that they stand united against all forms of violence against women, young women and girls, as the region together with the world movement works towards creating safe and secure spaces. Their involvement in these events will only help further their achievement of this goal.