Message from the Anguilla National Council of Women.
Worldwide the 25thof November marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism with today (25th November) being designated as the international day for the elimination of violence against women. The Anguilla National Council of Women stands resolute in its support for the eradication and elimination of gender based violence. We recognize and applaud the local theme for this year’s campaign “speak out against the ‘TIONS’ of Gender based violence.” It is imperative as a nation that we break the silence on the issues of Domination, Objectification, Exploitation and Sexualization of our girls and women. In commemorating this day, Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, states an estimated 15 million adolescent girls (ages 15-19) worldwide have been forced to have sex, yet only 1 in 100 will seek help. It is further noted that one in three women and girls will be faced with gender based violence in their lives, therefore our duty as a God fearing people is to work collectively to end the stigmatization surrounding this plague in our communities.
The Anguilla National Council of Women pledges its continued support to the organizations and individuals who have both publicly and privately been diligent in the ongoing effort to bring awareness with the ultimate goal of ending gender based violence and urges everyone to get involved as we echo the International theme to END RAPE NOW!
Glenneva Hodge
President of the Anguilla National Council of Women
– Press Release
