Every ten minutes a woman is killed in an act of violence.
This is the reason the Women’s Executive Committee of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) has joined in the global 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence, which began on November 25th and will end on December 10th.
Former General Secretary of the NUGFW, Jillian Joy Bartlett Alleyne, said many women not only raise children but also take care of their elderly parents, thereby limiting their opportunities for advancement in the workplace.
“Violence is not only physical violence but violence also occurs when you are mentally and you are verbally abused. Women should have the opportunity to operate in an environment at home, at work, and in society that is free from fear and free from violence.”
The NUGFW’s First Deputy President General, Clifton Simpson, offered some advice to women facing abusive situations.
“Women need to speak up because if you don’t speak up there isn’t sufficient of us out here to pay attention to different changes in your own personal space where we could step in and lend a helping hand and take you out of that conundrum that you may be in.”
Meanwhile, President of the Women’s Executive Committee of the NUGFW, Carla Garcia, highlighted the work the group is doing.
“We will continue to engage children of all ages, educating them on why violence in any form must not exist. We will continue to engage and include our men as conduits for change. This women’s executive council will also use all digital platforms, social media, and other media to feature our work as activists and human rights defenders.”
The theme of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence for 2024 is ‘Time To Act Now.’