Data collected since the imposition of lockdowns and worldwide travel restrictions reveal that Anguilla has seen a spike in domestic violence cases by over 88%. It has become clear that the spread of the virus has exacerbated an existing infection, that of gender-based violence, making it much worse and requiring us to treat the infection, not ignore it. To take a stand even though we might not understand.
Wednesday 25th November, marked the beginning of Anguilla’s recognition of the United Nations “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)” which runs until Thursday 10th December 2020, under the local theme “Be A Pillar” in collaboration with Gender Affairs Anguilla in the Ministry of Social Development and Education. The 16 Days provide us with an opportunity to truly understand and engage more deeply with issues surrounding GBV. We are also brought to question our roles as members of society.
In cases of female on male violence; do we stand aside and ignore it because we believe he’s a man and he can take it? Do we giggle in our corners when we hear that a woman is abused? Do we turn a blind eye to sexually abused children because it makes us uncomfortable? Where do we stand? We start by creating a mentality shift. And this is not an easy task, for it requires a commitment to reconditioning ourselves – taking ownership of how we contribute – knowing how to read the signs and when to accept and get help.
There’s a packed 2 weeks of activism which started on the 25th of November where we launched the “Orange Your World” Campaign in collaboration with the UP Girl Organisation which will encourage every Anguillian at home and abroad to adorn their physical and social spaces in orange to raise awareness for GBV issues. On Thursday 26th November 2020, we enjoyed a performance by Klassique Dance Academy on Gender Based Violence launched on Facebook at GenderAffairsAnguilla.
On Friday 27th November 2020, it’s the much anticipated, student-written and directed, Spoken Word Performance and GBV skit at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. A GBV panel titled “Mentally Speaking” will follow on Saturday 28th November from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Men across the island will be given the space to engage in these difficult conversations as they engage with the Mentality organization. On Sunday 29th November 2020 we celebrate International Human Rights Defenders Day with the Anguilla Community Action Network at Kingdom Citizens Church.
During the week of Monday 30th November we’ll begin our three-part “Orange Table Talk” radio discussions on the taboo topic on child sexual abuse in partnership with the Let’s Talk Foundation, Department of Sports and Radio Anguilla. On Tuesday 1st December, join ACAN in recognising World AIDS Day from 10am-3pm at the Anguilla Social Security Parking Lot where free health screens, testing, counselling and mental health and psychosocial support services will be available to all who pop in.
To help us understand more intimately the struggles of those with disabilities, on Thursday 3rd December, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we will be participating in “A Walk with A Difference” in partnership with the Department of Sports, the iSpeak Autism Awareness Society and UP Girl from 5:30 – 7:30 pm starting at the Ruthwill Auditorium Gazebo and ending at Coronation Park. This walk will feature a simulation of challenges that persons with disabilities face on a daily basis and includes an obstacle course.
On Sunday 6th and Monday 7th December, Community Services Planner Hyacinth Bradley will have a dialogue with the Spanish-speaking community around Navigating Challenges of Stigma and Discrimination and Developing Pathways for Action around GBV. And finally, on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th December we’ll have Women’s Self Defense Workshops in partnership with the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Spaces are limited so register your spot with Gender Affairs Anguilla. The 16 Days of Activism will end with the MoU signing for the launch of Anguilla’s Domestic Violence Hotline.
As a community, we are the pillars that support our women and men, but we are also the pillars that stand against harmful practices. During these 16 Days, let us:
Be a Pillar to Stop Domestic and Gender-based Violence in Anguilla
Be a Pillar to End Child Sexual Abuse in Anguilla
Be a Pillar to Stand against Stigma and Discrimination in Anguilla
It is important that we ask one simple question, how can I help? And sometimes it starts with examining our own thoughts and action. As we recognise the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, I invite you to join us as we undertake being the pillars that create the sound structure to weather any hurricane, any virus, or any affliction in order to keep our people safe. Thank you.
For more information, please contact Dr. Ronya Foy Connor at (264) 497-3930 or visit www.GenderAffairsAnguilla.com or Facebook @GenderAffairsAnguilla.
