The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence was spearheaded in Anguilla by the Gender Affairs Unit, Ministry of Social Development. From 25 November until 10 December, there were twelve impactful activities – all focusing on addressing aspects of Gender-based violence and the positive development of men, women, girls and boys in Anguilla. A robust social media campaign with #HearMeToo and #AXABreaktheSilence trended on Facebook @Gender Affairs Anguilla as little known facts about Domestic Violence in Anguilla were posted throughout the 16 Days.
On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Anguilla National Council of Women and the Mothers Union held a powerful Prayer Vigil for those affected by violence in Anguilla. Hosted by Mrs. Ursil Webster Brooks and Mrs. Ernie Hodge-Carty, a special call was made to support family members who have lost loved ones due to violence. They, along with others in attendance, were comforted by the everlasting powerful word of God infused into every aspect of the Vigil.
The following day, November 26, Gender Affairs partnered with Social Development Planner, Mrs. Kiesha Gumbs-Bibby, and facilitator Ms. Jennyville Smith, to host the “Stewards of Children-Darkness to Light” training to end child sexual abuse. Participants addressed a topic that is taboo in our society but is occurring on a daily basis. As adults, both women and men, we are responsible for protecting our children from harm and teaching them to communicate with us if they are ever in distress or taken advantage of sexually, emotionally or physically. The attendees of this training are now better equipped to recognize the warning signs of abuse and act in the best interest of the child.
Continuing on the theme of abuse, but targeting a different population, on November 27 roughly 15 men joined in the third session of Deputy Governor Perin Bradley’s “Men’s Gathering.” The topic for the evening was “The Sexes: Challenges of Love, Miscommunication and Violence.” The men engaged in thought-provoking discussions about how domestic situations can escalate from a small disagreement to an explosive phase of violent actions – often leading to regret. The participants made a pledge to stand for those who are abused and to hold each other accountable for being the strong and positive men that they were created to be.
On International Human Rights Defenders Day, November 29, FLOW and Gender Affairs hosted the 5th annual Young Girls Chat under the theme “Speak Up & Speak Out” – encouraging young ladies to be more confident and outspoken. Almost 50 teenage girls attended the event and learned about confidence boosters, interviewing techniques and social media safety from three presenters: Ms. Sherise Brooks, Ms. Erimel Franklin and Mrs. Tamara Pradel.
In promoting mental, emotional and physical well-being, Gender Affairs partnered with the Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN), the Community Desk and Community Services Planner, Mrs. Hyacinth Bradley, along with visitors from the Fox Chase Cancer Centre in Philadelphia, USA, and Eastern Caribbean Cancer Centre of Antigua and Barbuda, to present two panel discussions geared toward Cancer Prevention Methods and Cancer Treatment Options. On World AIDS Day, December 1, a health fair was held with ACAN, the National Chronic Disease Unit, Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the visiting Cancer Centers, in order to offer free rapid HIV testing, breast cancer screenings and prostate screenings. It was an achievement to have men come out in large numbers for prostate exams and be proactive about their health.
Later that evening, the Extreme Bake-Off Competition hosted by the Jesus Christ VIPs allowed culinary teams from Anguilla, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to show off their baking expertise in a competitive yet fun and encouraging environment. A portion of the proceeds from the competition was donated in support of domestic violence interventions in Anguilla.
Continuing with the activities of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) hosted a “Women’s Self-Defense Workshop” teaching safety measures to women in cases of potential robbery, rape and other forms of violence. The 2-part workshop concluded on Thursday, 13 December, at the RAPF Headquarters. Based on the success of the workshop, the RAPF is considering holding ongoing opportunities for learning important self-defense techniques.
The next impactful event to promote activism against domestic violence was the “Young Women’s Activist” Tea held on December 4 at the Tea Box Lounge. Women and young ladies from all backgrounds gathered to discuss the topic of “From Girls to Women: The Ups, The Downs and The Awkward” touching on relevant topics of health and wellness, intimate relationships, friendships and more. The discussion opened with a panel of three phenomenal women, Mrs. Angelina Carty, Mrs. Roberta Rose-Collins and Ms. Sherise Brooks, highlighting pertinent lessons from their life experiences.
On December 6, the “Gender Jeopardy” Game Night was hosted at the Church of God Holiness. Participants tested their knowledge about gender concerns in Anguilla’s past, present and future including the activities and programmes of the Gender Affairs Unit. Winners of the game show, Ms. Rochelle Rogers, Mrs. Kiesha Gumbs-Bibby, Mrs. Ernie-Hodge Carty and Mrs. Ursil Webster Brooks, received gift bags courtesy of FLOW and a gift certificate to Subway sandwich shop.
To close out the 16 Days of Activism in Anguilla for 2018, Mrs. Collette Jones-Chin of Senoj Creations hosted a “Drama as Therapy Workshop” for married couples on December 8. Couples were challenged to act out scenes that display positive verbal and non-verbal communication styles. They also initiated robust dialogue regarding intimacy and sexuality, forgiveness and an understanding of the sexes. This session was just the beginning of efforts to empower and encourage married couples in positive interactions and the fulfillment of God’s vision for their union.
Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator of the Gender Affairs Unit, would like to thank ALL of those who supported the 16 Days initiatives through partnerships and as attendees. In addition to those mentioned above, a special thank you is extended to the Anguilla Red Cross, UNICEF, UN Women Caribbean, Dominion Faith Centre, Magic City, Confetti Dust Studios, Mr. Andre Collins, Mrs. Lisa Hodge, Mrs. Jade Reymond-Richardson, Why Thoughtful and YOU.
Please continue to engage the Gender Affairs Unit on Facebook and at www.GenderAffairsAnguilla.com.
