Trinidad and Tobago against gender violence

The YWCA and UN System in Trinidad and Tobago collaborative observance of this campaign commenced in 2010. This year the campaign seeks to sensitize the general public and youth to the fact that gender based violence is a fundamental violation of one’s human rights.  A series of activities during the 16 Day Campaign will be hosted to mark solidarity throughout Trinidad and Tobago using the YWCA’s In Her Shoes Exhibition against Gender Based Violence.

Delivering the United Nations General Secretary’s message Ms. Sheila Stuart of the United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago stated ‘Our challenge is to ensure that the message of "zero tolerance" is heard far and wide. To do that, we must engage all of society – and especially young people. On this International Day, I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic of violence. Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world.’

Speaking on behalf of the Borough of Chaguanas which partnered with the YWCA and UN SYSTEM for the launch, His Worship the Mayor, Orlando Nagessar called for critical lessons on violence against women to be taught to the youth and greater efforts on breaking the silence, commended the YWCA of Trinidad and Tobago on its initiative.

Ms. Philippa Forde, Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and member of the National Council of the YWCA of Trinidad and Tobago who performed the role of Mistress of Ceremonies for the launch, explained that the Human Rights approach to this years’ outreach with the theme ‘Claiming Our Rights…From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World’ , reinforces that everyone one has the right to live a life free from violence. Minister in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development, Ramona Ramdial, expressed concerns about underage marriage and called for greater sensitivity to the plight of those who have been affected by and suffer gender based violence.

Through the Arts Penelope Spencer performed a silent mime presentation highlighting the fact that violence begins in the home filters into the school, the workplace and the community at large. Amritam Shakti Dance Company called for tolerance and respect as they performed a classical Indian dance to David Rudder’s Ganges and the Nile.

At the launch, President of the YWCA of Trinidad and Tobago Keisha Cruickshank also unveiled a new YWCA Youth Campaign and Competition titled My Life In words I Claim My Right  which calls on young people to create a poster, poem, spoken word, video or song calling for an end to gender based violence. Entrants have an opportunity to learn more about Gender Based Violence and the competition rules via the YWCAs website www.ttywca.org or via www.saynotoviolence.org/issue. The competition closes on December 10, 2011.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Costa Rica, Ricardo Thompson, Ambassador of the Kingdon of Netherlands, Lucita Moenir Alam, Dr. Barton Clarke Head of the FAO, Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali, former First Lady, Tara Ramoutar of CAFRA, Councilor Falisha Isahak and ASJA Girls College were among the many distinguished ladies and gentlemen present who by virtue of their attendance signaled to the national community that Gender Based Violence is a significant issue, worthy of attention and which must be addressed.