The Ebenezer Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Roseau came alive on Wednesday morning as students, teachers and others staged activities to mark the beginning of ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.’
The campaign, organized by the Bureau of Gender Affairs, is an annual one which takes between 25th November and 10th December.
Part of the activities included performances by students during a special assembly and the releasing of Orange Balloon to create awareness about ‘Orange Day’ and providing support as well as solidarity with those who are experiencing violence.
“We are doing it at a school because we know that young girls are one of the groupings that are most vulnerable to violence,” Acting Director of the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Kyra Paul, said. “Our statistics in Dominica tells you that girls under the age of 16 are engaged in sexual acts of violence, especially by those whom their parents entrust them with.”
Paul called on parents, neighbours, the civil society, state departments, business places, the private sector, among others, to take action to denounce violence against women and children.
“We are calling on all to take action, to orange your world, use 16 Days of Activism to orange your world, engage in activities, participate, attend,” she said. “We have a really compact schedule that speaks to denouncing all forms of violence against women and girls.”
Paul added, “November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and it’s also Orange Day. Orange Day calls for each of us to orange the world and create safe spaces for women and girls, safe schools, safe streets, safe workplaces…”
Meantime principal of the school, Ursula Edwin revealed that the killing of Triscia Riviere of Stockfarm on November 3rd (Independence Day) touched many staff at the school since the deceased was a former student.
“As you are aware the last murder victim was a past student of our school and it was very sad when we saw her in the uniform,” she stated. “It just brought back everything to our minds days when she was at school. Such a beautiful young lady was just destroyed like that, so we want to join with them in fighting this war against violence.”
Riviere was allegedly killed by her boyfriend.
Edwin said the school is happy to join the fight with the Bureau of Gender Affairs to end violence.
“We will continue to support the Bureau of Gender Affairs in this fight, we will continue to promote it at school, to help the children to fight against violence, to end it now,” she stated. “If our voices are not strong enough we will use other Adventist schools, the churches in fighting this war by using a peaceful approach.”
She encouraged the 231 students present at the activity to become adults who will advocate for the fight against violence.
The pictures are beautiful. This is a wonderful show of of support for a truly good cause.
Violence against any human being – male or female – of any age is a crime. Worse still it is an assault against God Himself who created us in His own image and likeness.
It is sad to hear of woman and girls being subjected to acts of violence. Men who physically abuse their wives do not always abuse their children but the kids are terrorized by their abusive behavior. They usually side with their mother and if she leaves they will leave with her if they can.
I do not believe a woman should stay in a dangerous situation. Nor should she leave her children with an abusive father. Some women stay because the man is the bread winner, the woman has no income, and she does not know where to go.
There should be safe houses available to abused woman and children to provide immediate temporary refuge for those caught in such circumstances.
Continued …
Children’s Aid should be made aware of circumstances like this when they exist. It is potentially psychologically damaging and physically dangerous for a child to be in a home where there is verbal and physical abuse.
It may be difficult to show sympathy to these men. However, counseling should be provided if they will accept it. Some of them came from abusive homes. Some struggle with alcohol, and insecurity, and they have had a real problem forming stable relationships.
More should be done to emphasize the importance of girls staying in school until they have a decent education or better still, a career. There would be less young women left at the mercy of an abusive man. Let them put their education first before they even think of a romantic relationship, or setting up housekeeping with a man! This way they will be in the driver’s seat. They will be the one who makes the decisions.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
DNO there’s no allegedly in the murder of Triscia Riviere.
The guy confessed to the crime.
Many times the mothers are to be blamed because some take settlement from the ones who abuse their children. The prefer money than the well being of thier children.
Let all women know, they are responsible for their well being. There is no reason to remain in a relationship which is violent. Learn to be independent so you do not have to depend on a man and those of you who are independent, please, use your brain. There is always a way out. Talk to someone but most of all know you do not have to remain in these relationships.
that’s very good
I Think parents need some work also. especially those in single parent households. We want well rounded children where both mother and father play an active role in the lives of children. children grow up with complexes if the see violence abuse taking place between their parents. they wouldnt say anything but it affects them in the long run. Children need to be able to trust their parents and vice versa.
A splendid effort and worthy of commendation, but as a Nation we must be careful when using these international terms such as “Gender-based violence”…. what does that really mean. Why unambiguously not simply just violence against minors/children. Secondly, more attention needs to be paid towards our environmental responsibility. Do we ever wonder the negative consequences of releasing these balloons. Where will they eventually end up and what impact they will cause. Alternatives such as natural dyes added to water and released as huge clouds of multi-coloured mist is gaining popularity… just being different.
Keep it up Ursula… Change starts with the children. Keep up the fight. That’s what I am talking about. Make your voices be heard. I applaud the bureau of gender affairs for finally taking this seriously. Don’t stop until the laws are change and the abuse stops