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 2015. 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 government departments, religious entities, the business community, various community organizations and international agencies for these series of events taking place throughout the 16 Days:
Wednesday, November 25, 2015 – International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women
Radio and Television address by Hon. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Minister of Gender to open the international “16 Days of Activism” in Anguilla.
5:00 pm – National Council of Women, Gender Affairs and University of the West Indies Open Campus, “Voices against Violence” Rally from the Public Library to the World Harvest Assembly with guest speakers and dramatic performances.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
6:00 – 8:30 pm – OneAccord and Gender Affairs Day 1: Revolution Male Empowerment Conference, “Save the Seed” Discussion at DaVida Restaurant. Free.
Friday, November 27, 2015
8:00 pm – OneAccord and Gender Affairs Day 2: Revolution Male Empowerment Conference Live Concert at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre. US$10 Children; US$20 Adults.
Launch of the “Experiencing the Sacred Woman” programme. Contact Gender Affairs at 497-2518 for further information.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
9:00 am – OneAccord and Gender Affairs Day 3: Revolution Male Empowerment Conference, “Taking Root” Breakfast at Flavours Restaurant (La Vue). Free.
7:30 pm – Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Keynote Speaker for the St. Maarten Women’s Desk, Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs, Exhibition on “The Impact and Influence of Music & Media on Violence against Women and Girls” at the Rock House at Princess Port de Plaisance, St. Maarten.
Sunday, November 29, 2015 – International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
6:00 pm – OneAccord and Gender Affairs Final Day: Revolution Male Empowerment Conference, “Branching Out” Speakers Series at La Vue. Free.
Monday, November 30, 2015
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 Ronya. Foy-Connor@gov.ai
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
5:30 – 8:00 pm – LIME’s “Young Girls Chat” Part II: Empowering Young Ladies toward Physical and Emotional Health. Contact Gender Affairs at 497-2518 for further information.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
6:00 pm – Deputy Governor, Mr. Stanley Reid’s Men’s Gathering for Young Male Activists. By Invitation Only. Please express interest at 497-2518 or Ronya. Foy-Connor@gov.ai.
Friday, December 4, 2015
“Gender Sensitivity” Training workshop with government staff. Contact Gender Affairs at 497-2518 for further information.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
7:00 am – 12:00 pm – Department of Environment and Gender Affairs “Beach Clean-up Day” at The Forest. Please walk with gloves and a rake.
1:00 – 6:00 pm – “The Transformation” Young Men’s Sports Retreat at the La Severine Total Fitness Gym in the Valley. Please express interest at 497-2518 or Ronya. Foy-Connor@gov.ai.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Gender Development Coordinator and Ministry of Finance Representative attend the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Country Gender Assessment Validation Workshop in St. Michael, Barbados.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
University of the West Indies Open Campus and Gender Affairs Panel Discussion: “Next steps after the passage of Anguilla’s Domestic Violence Act 2015.”
Thursday, December 10, 2015 – Human Rights Day
The National Youth Ambassadors, Underground Poetry Club and Gender Affairs host a “Human Rights Day Poetry Night.”
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.
