The National Youth Council of Dominica recently held a Bouzai March on the evening of last Friday 25 April 2014.
“Save our women! Save our girls! Stop the violent acts! It hurts, it hurts! Sexual abuse; it hurts, it hurts! Emotional abuse; it hurts, it hurts! No means no! Save our women, save our girls!” Simple words, but they speak to the heart of the issue of abuse against women and girls. The calls rang out loud and clear in the Kalinago Territory on Friday April 25, 2014 as some young people took to the streets to commemorate “Orange Day”. The National Youth Council of Dominica embarks on different activities on the 25th of each month in honour of “Orange Day”, a day dedicated to the fight against the abuse of women and girls. Members of the National Youth Council were joined by some youth from the Kalinago Territory and Parliamentary Representative Honourable Ashton Graneau, to march for the worthy cause.
With candles lit, the procession created quite an impression through the village. Fire represents the trail of destruction which abuse leaves, but also the potential and vibrancy of our young people. The flames were a symbol of the fire which burns within hearts and souls of partakers. The walk ended with addresses by Honourable Ashton Graneau; Natasha Jervier, CARICOM Youth Ambassador, a poem and a special musical rendition by a young man from the Kalinago Territory which spoke to the power of God to restore us even after we’ve been through hardships. As the lyrics said,
“You may be down and feel like God
Has somehow forgotten
That you are faced with circumstances
You can’t get through
But now it seems that there’s no way out
And you’re going under
God’s proven time and time again
He’ll take care of you.”
Orange Day is not just about wearing the color for a day. It stands for people who care, people who strive for change, and people who stand in solidarity with victims of abuse. The National Youth Council has seen the significance of lending support to the assaulted, and Orange Day is one small example of the Council’s dedication to advocating that cause. Save our women, save our girls… All acts of abuse, they hurt!
Every nation needs laws that protect the women and girls against both verbal and physical abuse.
Especially there should be laws to guard women against sexist verbal abuse and inappropriate touching in the workplace. We have such laws where I live in Ontario, Canada. An employer who allows a female employee to be sexually harassed can be charged. His company can be severely fined for even allowing a man to make embarrassing sexual comments to a lady on the job.
Laws are no good if they are not enforced. Here in Canada people are realizing these laws can and will be enforced. Women’s rights organizations are standing behind women in the workplace who complain and people are taking this seriously now from the employers to the police, to the judges.
Being badmouthed and mauled is not a price a woman should have to pay to have a job.
No means no!
Enough is enough!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.