Violence against women is seen as a major problem, not just in Dominica but worldwide and as part of bringing awareness to this issue, the National Youth Council (NYC) of Dominica along with the rest of the country observes “Orange Day” on the 25th of every month.
CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Kerahia Jno. Baptiste, who was speaking at the launching ceremony of the NYC office on Wednesday, said, “Although the official day internationally is observed on November 25th, we recognize the grave consequences that violence against our women can have on society and have recognized the immediate efforts required to stop this issue.”
She explained that on Orange Day, the color orange is worn “to remind persons that our women are the earth from which our seeds are planted and creations are born.”
Jno. Baptiste thanked the public for participating in the event and hopes the support continues.
“We ask that from today on we nurture the memories of the contributions of women of the world,” she stated. “Pay respect to the people who birth the babies, tends our homes and raise our men into officers and our women into teachers.”
Jno. Baptiste also called on the public to lend a hand to the victims of abuse.
“We no longer plan in accepting the violent environment that our children are raised in,” she noted.
Acting Assistant Chief Youth Development Officer, Bernard Bontiff, encouraged the NYC to continue to observe Orange Day.
“It means a lot to us as men,” he said. “Because men seem to think that men have to look at the affairs of men but when we have a council that champions the cause of women, and I am one of those who support this idea very much because I do not like the whole idea of violence, far-less when it comes to the idea of violence against women and children.”
Bontiff promised to assist the NYC in any way that he can to ensure that violence against women and children is discontinued in Dominica.
“We have silent cases, cases unreported and we think that all is well,” he said. “We have a lot of secret violence taking place especially emotional violence. We seem to think that when a man hits a woman this is violence, but when a man abuses a woman verbally that it is OK. I hate the idea of persons who show disrespect towards women and children.”
If there is any hope for the nation it is in our young people.
Those of us who are older need to be careful what we say and do because a younger generation around us is listening and watching. They will base their own speaking and acting upon what they hear and see hear. Teenagers today are the torchbearers for the next generation.
If disrespect is shown for women it is us – the adults of today – that are doing it. We need to be reminded of our responsibility. It is heartening to see a solid youth organization speaking out on such an important national issue. They have something to say to us older folks. We must hear their message.
Disrespect for women is not only a problem in Dominica. It is everywhere. When the daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers of the country are shown the honor and respect that is due to them our children will be properly care for.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Dear Miss Jno. Baptiste,
All these efforts deserve support; however, our FOCUS has to be AGAINST ALL VIOLENCE and not SOLELY on violence against WOMEN. It is my hope that we all get rid of these social ills and squalour.
HOTEP!
Young lady this is a good move.
Hats off to the NYC for further promoting non-violence against women and making others aware of it. I hope by the time you attain adulthood, this violence will be eradicated.
Education in this respect is necessary which should also be taught in the schools.
The saying: “Behind every successful man is a good woman.” We can say, generally.
Throughout the years women have not been regarded as they deserve. Many have been physically and verbally abused and society turned a blind eye and a deaf ear. We do know that some women have died through physical abuse. Yes! It is a worldwide situation.
I reside in Toronto. The Law was instituted a few years ago. Men have to be careful how they as much as touch women and children. If this Law is not yet implemented in D/ca, it is time that it should be. This is the only way that abuse of women and children will cease.
Physical and sexual abuse should be immediately reported and action taken against the perpetrator(s).
The Facts:
I live not far from Toronto and I can confirm the truth of your comment.
In Ontario, Canada we have laws in place to protect our women folk from disrespect and abuse. Inappropriate touching and even suggestive or lewd sexual conversation especially in the workplace is considered offensive and can result in a charge being laid. I am not saying these laws are always adhered to. But they are on the books. Employers who allow disrespect for female employees can be penalized. Their companies can be heavily fined. It is not unusual for an employer to deliver a severe warning
to male employees.
The same type of laws can be brought forward in Dominica if the country does not already have them. The National Youth Council (NYC) of Dominica may be the organization that can make this difference. Laws will do no good unless they are enforced.
Lots of work to be done!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Women, especially black women, since they were the first, gave birth to humanity. There are some scholars of African studies who have said that “the black woman is god,” meaning without her, there would be no creation for she is the one who brings forth and nurtures lives. Black women are also described to be the strongest human beings for they endure a lot in life. As a result, they deserve the highest respect and honour there is and should not be abused. When a man understands the importance of a woman and the roles she play in society and life on a whole, he will learn to respect her. A woman should be honoured, loved, respected and cherished for who she really is. Many women suffer in silence and that shpuldn’t be.
To Ms. Jno Baptiste, keep up the good work
PEACE
Reading your comment touched my heart. Words of wisdom.
Thanks for your feedback. As a nation, we must realise the importance of the woman and when we do so, there will be more togetherness/unity in place. When I mentioned that the black woman is the strongest human being, it is a fact. There are many times that black women have to raise their children by themselves, work, cook, iron and sometimes even have to take care of other relatives. We really need to take the time off and salute the women for all that they do. We really need to love our women and treat them like the queens they were meant to be.
PEACE
Keep up the good works
Wow! Good Things happening,Love when our Youth are doing positive things
After the Election I would have fought there would have been more done in Dominica to support equality for women. They are the back bone of the nation.I love my Dominican woman trus x x