Women’s Forum Organises 1/2 Day Seminar

A seminar organized by the GAWU Women’s Forum on May 09, 2009 at the Union’s Head Office, 59 High Street and Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown, saw thirty five (35) participants drawn from the Union’s various bargaining units in Demerara.

The seminar which focused on the impact of domestic violence, reproductive health issues and the gains of women, was serviced by resource personnel drawn from the Ministries of Health and Human Services and Social Security and the Women’s Progressive Organization.

Chairperson of the Women’s Forum, Cde Gaietri Baron, encouraged participants to listen attentively and actively participate in the discussions. She noted that Domestic Violence not only affects the person who is violated but her whole family as well.

Head of the Domestic Violence Policy Unit of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Geetangeli Geer, in her presentation, noted that domestic violence is a crime and has a direct impact on family life. She stated the person being abused is not the only victim, as children who grow up in an abusive family, become trapped in a cycle in which this crime is acceptable.

She noted that domestic violence has escalated over the years and it is society’s responsibility if it recognises that someone is suffering from this abuse not to turn its back.

Geer explained that people recognise that violence on the road is a crime, and asked why then must people turn a blind eye when it happens in a home. This, she said, is a violation of people’s fundamental rights.

Recent studies have shown that women are afraid to report this crime and some of them still do not understand that domestic violence is a crime. Locally, victims can visit the Ministry to get counselling, or can make a report if they choose. If they report the matter, the Ministry’s personnel will call the police station for a follow-up on the matter, and they can also attend support sessions with other victims and survivors.

The Women’s Forum will continue to hold seminars to educate our women and men empowering them and share what was learnt with others so that we can have a better country in which to live.

We in the GAWU Women’s Forum would like our readers to help stop Domestic Violence by calling the Ministry’s hotline number 223-6041 if you know anyone who is a victim or need help.