A UN/EU project to combat domestic violence was launched last evening on NCN Channel 11 and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud said that an emergency number will be set up for the reporting of the crime.
The Spotlight Initiative is a regional programme being undertaken by the United Nations and the European Union. Guyana has been allocated around $1b.
“We need to ask ourselves why violence continues to be pervasive and persistent. The heartrending cries of women who are beaten, chopped, stabbed, raped, brutalized and yes, killed in this most horrific form of gender oppression has propelled us to embark on a pivotal partnership with the UN and EU to significantly improve the conditions of women, foster their empowerment and work to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence,” Persaud said in her message, according to a release today from her ministry..
The country document, which signals the commitment to the Spotlight Initiative was signed between Persaud and UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka. The signing was witnessed by EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto.
Persaud also announced that a 914 helpline will be introduced by the Ministry to facilitate the reporting of domestic and sexual violence.
“I cannot over-emphasize how important it is to report every incidence of violence to stem the relentless tide,” she said.
The introduction of the emergency number, Persaud stated, will open access to new initiatives that link survivors to agencies, advocacy programmes, referral pathways, microenterprise industries and a public-private skills employment database matching which will offer immediate help.
“It is perhaps the most obvious manifestation of deep imbalances of power in our society. The vulnerabilities epitomized through financial dependence, lower employment, the culture of silence in the face of violence, and tangible insecurities, particularly during a crisis, when vulnerabilities are at their peak and protections at their lowest point will be addressed through the Spotlight Initiative,” the minister said.
President Irfaan Ali endorsed the Initiative and expressed gratitude to the EU and the UN for their support. He said, according to the release, that he “looks forward to the implementation of this initiative to bring about measureable outcomes in the fight to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls.”
