Welcome to “The Gender Corner,” published in collaboration with The Anguillian Newspaper. Through this publication we hope to provide relevant information about Gender Affairs; offering material to create thought-provoking and stimulating community discussions. This week we highlight the upcoming “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign and note how Anguilla will commemorate this global campaign for Human Rights.
The 16 Days of Activism will take place from 25 November – 10 December 2014. It is an initiative of the United Nations UNiTE to End Violence against Women and Girls movement. The goal is to prevent violence and abuse in our communities through social media engagement, education and community participation. Every year, these 16 Days bring to light the issues of eliminating violence against women, recognizing human rights defenders, abolishing all types of slavery, supporting persons with disabilities, and promoting human rights locally and around the world.
Here in Anguilla, the Gender Affairs Unit is collaborating with The Mother’s Union, The National Youth Ambassadors of the Department of Youth and Culture, Refresh Ministries, Generation Change and the Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN) for these series of events taking place throughout the 16 Days:
Tuesday, November 25, 2014 – International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women
6:00 pm – The Mother’s Union Church Service at St. Mary’s Anglican Church
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
9:00 am – 1:00 pm – ACAN & The Gender Affairs Unit “Violence in the Workplace” Workshop at No Walls Church. Limited space – RSVP requested
Thursday, November 27, 2014
9:00 am – 1:00 pm – ACAN & The Gender Affairs Unit “Violence in the Workplace” Workshop at No Walls Church. Limited space – RSVP requested
8:00 pm – The Gender Affairs Unit radio programme on “Domestic Violence Legislation & CEDAW” for “On the Spot” Klass FM
Saturday, November 29, 2014 – International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
6:30 am Start – The Optimist Club of Anguilla’s Race Against AIDS at the Agricultural Grounds. Contact Teacher Emma Ferguson at 584-1066 or optimistclubofanguilla@gmail.com
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 – International Day of Disabled Persons
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm – ACAN’s 8th Anniversary – “Activism in HIV/AIDS” Radio Anguilla “Real Talk” programme
Thursday, December 4, 2014
7:00 pm – “Domestic Violence Open Mic” at Campus B by the National Youth Ambassadors of the Department of Youth and Culture & The Gender Affairs Unit
Saturday, December 6, 2014
5:00 pm – “Beyond Skin Deep” Young Ladies Retreat at Spy Glass, North Hill hosted by Generation Change, Refresh Ministries & The Gender Affairs Unit
7:30 pm – ACAN’s “Project HOPE” Choir Fest at No Walls Church
Wednesday, December 10, 2014 – Human Rights Day
4:30 – 6:30 pm – H.E. The Governor, Ms. Christina Scott’s Tea for Young Women Activist at Government House. By Invitation Only. Please express interest at 497-2518 or RonyaC@gov.ai
For more information about the 16 Days of Activism or any of the initiatives listed above, feel free to contact Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator at the Ministry of Home Affairs in The Valley, 497-2518 or at Ronya.Foy-Connor@gov.ai. Visit the “Break the Silence” Campaign on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AXAbreakthesilence# on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AXAbreaksilence and on Instagram at http://instagram.com/axabreakthesilence/