Welcome to the second in our series of bi-weekly columns under the title “The Gender Corner,” published in collaboration with The Anguillian newspaper. Through this publication we hope to provide thought-provoking and stimulating discussion on gender-related matters. This week we introduce the concept of violence and abuse.
The United Nations has an ongoing initiative, launched in 2008, known as “UNITE to End Violence against Women.” It is an international effort to end one of the most widespread violations of human rights. According to 2013 statistics, by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWomen), 1 in 3 women and girls will experience violence in their lifetime while, in some country studies, up to 70% of women face sexual and/or physical violence in their lifetime from an intimate partner.
Here in Anguilla, and throughout the Caribbean region, the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corp (CYAP) is active in promoting an end to violence against women and girls through the campaign known as “Orange your World.” On the 25th of every month, they encourage you to wear the colour orange in order to show men and women’s solidarity in actively working toward ending this form of gender-based violence.
One of the issues that we will face in Anguilla is that we are not included in the international studies of violence against women and girls, domestic violence and gender-based violence. We reside on this 35-square mile island that many consider a paradise; tourists visit to experience the world’s best beaches and fine cuisine. Yet, underneath the picturesque landscapes are real and often hidden concerns in our homes – the presence of violence and abuse.
We must ask: Are we built on sand or do we stand firm upon “The Rock?” Sand has fleeting properties with its lack of stability. We know that rock is strong, solid and built to last. Where is there a life of sand in our communities and where do we reflect rock? With domestic violence and gender-based violence in our society, we are only as strong as sand. As our school children try to focus on their studies while having images of punching and kicking in their minds – this is our sand. As women and men worship in church with the hidden secret of verbal and sexual abuse in their daily lives – this is our sand. When we are in the workplace and overlook a co-worker’s black eye or other indication of violence – this is our sand. For every individual who believes that violence going on in the home is a private affair – this is our sand. Domestic violence and gender-based violence are a public matter and we must each publicly take responsibility as we build upon the rock and not on sinking sand.
This is one of the first of many issues that we will bring to the light. In fact, our work is officially beginning on the issue of violence with a national commitment to planning, coordinating and effecting policy instruments to assist in achieving right gender relations – this is our rock. The Gender Affairs Unit is actively taking strides to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence through brochures, church conversations and community events – this is our rock. With the assistance of various community organizations, faith based organizations and individual members committed to effecting positive change to end violence, we will build a firm foundation on The Rock.
As we compile a National Gender Calendar and Database, we do not want your efforts to end violence in our nation to go unnoticed. We want to hear about each and everyone of your activities and events that are establishing healthy gender relations and putting an end to violence and abuse. Please submit your organisation’s name and full details including its mission, vision and objectives in writing or by email to Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator, Ministry of Home Affairs, The Valley, or to Ronya.Foy-Connor@gov.ai. Please feel free to call us anytime at 497-2518.
