Ten Guyanese women killed by their spouses so far this year

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster on Tuesday called on men to respect and honour women, as she disclosed that 10 women were murdered by their spouses for the year so far.

At an interfaith service held in observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s East and Lamaha Streets location, Webster reiterated that men must recognise the need to treat women with respect and learn to protect them. She added that males should realise that their presence on Earth is due to their mothers, and in that sense, honour women.

Violence against women persists because of inequalities between genders, discrimination and oppression, and often times affects the most vulnerable in our society. Over the years, it has become more visible in Guyanese society, with scores of women being assaulted viciously. Efforts by Government and civil society to change social behaviours to stem the tide seem to be bearing little fruit, although the number of domestic violence related deaths decreased considerably this year compared to the 2013 figure of 20 plus deaths.

Among the organisations represented at the service was the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), whose Country Representative Patrice LaFleur highlighted that Guyanese norms and traditions usually promoted gender inequality, which supported gender-based violence, particularly violence against women, and this was something that needed to be changed.

“In many instances, there are some traditional values which are promoted and we have to ensure that it is not continued, because we would never see the end of violence if we continue in this manner.”

She went on to quote the Executive Director of the UNFPA: ‘“We can have all the laws and policies, but if we do not change our traditions, ours norms and values, which continue to promote violence against women and girls, society will continue to experience the violations of which we see daily.”’

Moreover, as the theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s End Gender-Based Violence” suggests, LaFleur urged parents to play their role in eliminating violence in the home.

“As parents, what are you doing to ensure that, first of all, you socialise your children in a particular way so that they respect each other and that violence is never the answer in response to a conflict or issue.”

Lawmakers

According to the UN, “Thirty-five per cent of women and girls globally experience some form of physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, with up to seven in ten women facing this abuse in some countries.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to continue.”

In focusing on the legal aspect of eliminating violence against women, Minister Webster called on the lawmakers and investigators to address the issues and cases on domestic violence in a more timely manner.

On Monday, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) highlighted, in a press release, its experience of the unprofessional behaviour of the Guyana Police Force in addressing sexual violence.

“The GHRA has been involved in cases in which the Police, particularly in rural locations, discouraged victims from reporting sexual offences, distorted statements to eliminate sexual offences, or refused to take statements altogether,” the release indicated.

Further, the Association suggested the implementation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), which would manage and tailor responses to the particular needs of the victim whereby a Police officer would be present on duty to take statements when the victim was ready to provide them.

The interfaith service marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism to commemorate the elimination of violence against women.