Guyanese in the Diaspora add their voices in the fight to eliminate violence against women

The world observed International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 last. Guyana Times International spoke with several Guyanese in the United States on the issue.

Gwen Pile, former senior mistress at Bishop’s High School, believes violence against any human is unacceptable. She emphasised the effects of this act on women, whose roles have changed over the years from mother and homemaker to single-parent and breadwinner.

“Women have even, over the years, risen to prominence both nationally and internationally in politics and international affairs.  So, like anyone else, women ought to be protected by all means necessary,” she said.

Pile, now an educator in New York, says violent acts against women must be relentlessly fought against, so that all women can feel safe wherever they are.

Also, former Guyana Defence Force officer Lennox Decruise, who resides in Maryland, acknowledges that violence against women remains a global epidemic. “It denies women equality, security, dignity, self-worth and the right to enjoy basic and fundamental freedoms”. He added: “The eradication of this problem has got to start in the homes. Parents have to ensure that the children see their mothers (being) treated as equals, and that the boys are taught to treat their sisters and female counterparts as equals”.

Chloe Peters, an office manager living in New York, reiterates the need for boys to be taught to respect all females. She noted thus for abuse to stop: “This issue must be discussed and addressed earlier in life. Domestic violence  should be part of schools’ curricula, so (that) from childhood children would be aware of the serious implications of such abuse. Young men should be taught how to speak (to) and treat young women and how to deal with their anger”.

Another young Guyanese believes women are the backbone of any society, and contribute financially in equal measure to the economy as well as by bearing and rearing future generations to contribute to the economy. Fariel Gordon, also a resident of New York, says: “If the violence against women continues, there will absolutely be a breakdown in society”.

Meanwhile, in his message to mark International Day for the elimination of violence against women, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called to embrace the principles of corporate social responsibility and play a role in ending violence against women.

He also highlighted the role of other organizations and the media in this endeavour, but insists that more needs to be done. “In homes, schools and the office; in refugee camps and conflict situations, the corporate sector can help us to prevent the many forms of violence that women and girls continue to face.” 

The UN Secretary General called on governments, civil society, the corporate sector and individuals to take responsibility for eradicating violence against women and girls. He added: “Violence against women and girls has no place in any society, and immunity for perpetrators must no longer be tolerated.”