The Department of Gender Affairs Hosts Chalk Walk and Rally Against Gender-Based Violence in Nevis

Street Activism to Raise Awareness and Promote Action

The Department of Gender Affairs in Nevis held a Chalk Walk in the heart of Charlestown on November 25, a form of street activism where members of the community shared their thoughts on domestic violence, gender-based violence, and more, by writing messages in chalk along Jones Street.

Director’s Message

Saros Hendrickson, Director of the Department of Gender Affairs, emphasized the importance of pushing forward and investing in efforts to end violence against women and girls. “We have to also acknowledge that our men too are victims of violence. We also need to ensure that we protect every single person here on the island of Nevis,” she said.

Upcoming Event: Street Rally Against Gender-Based Violence

A street rally against gender-based violence will be held on Friday, November 29 in downtown Charlestown. “This Friday come out and march with us against violence. We start at the Treasury Apron to the Villa Grounds. We expect you to come out in your numbers, whether you want to wear your orange or your purple or whatever you have, but we need a collective action for everyone to come out, march with us, chant with us, and call out this epidemic,” said Hendrickson.

International Support

Joanne Kinsey, President of Business and Professional Women UK, is among those voicing their concern about gender-based violence. “Violence against women and girls is an international issue. It’s only by working together across the globe that we can find the solution to this problem. I’ve been really heartened to see men and women stop and chalk their thoughts demonstrating that we all agree this has to stop, and stop today,” she stated.

Global Efforts

According to unwomen.org, the 16 days of activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments and call for accountability and action from decision makers to achieve gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.

Minister’s Remarks

Senator the Honourable Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Gender Affairs et al, emphasized that gender-based violence takes many forms, including intimate partner violence, early marriage, childbearing, workplace harassment, and digital abuse. She highlighted that the 16 Days of Activism provides a vital platform for individuals and organizations to intensify efforts to eliminate all types of gender-based violence across private, public, workplace, and online settings.

Additional Efforts

As part of its efforts to involve the entire Nevisian community, the Department of Gender Affairs also hosted a podcast promoting positive role models and a national men’s symposium.

Conclusion

The Department of Gender Affairs’ initiatives aim to raise awareness and promote action against gender-based violence, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and international cooperation to eliminate this epidemic.

FAQs

* What is the 16 Days of Activism?
* The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments and call for accountability and action from decision makers to achieve gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.
* What is the purpose of the Chalk Walk?
* The Chalk Walk is a form of street activism where community members share their thoughts on domestic violence, gender-based violence, and more, by writing messages in chalk along Jones Street.
* What is the upcoming event on November 29?
* A street rally against gender-based violence will be held on Friday, November 29 in downtown Charlestown.