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Women’s rights awareness key to combating domestic violence
by The Daily Herald
Posted: Dec 12, 2005 15:10 UTC
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PHILIPSBURG - Continued awareness and promotion of women’s rights are important to successfully combating domestic violence in the community, said Rosalyn Hazelle, keynote speaker at Peridot Road Foundation’s sixth anniversary lecture.
Speaking to a small audience at John Larmonie Centre Saturday evening, St. Kitts-Nevis’ first female Ambassador Plenipotentiary challenged the foundation and other woman-focused organisations to promote women’s equal rights and human dignity.
The realisation of women’s rights is a global struggle and requires everyone to unite to end traditions and practices that harm women, she added. “It is a fight for freedom to be fully and completely human and equal without apology or permission. Ultimately, the struggle for women’s human rights must be about making women’s and children’s lives matter everywhere, at all times.”
In the world today, women do not have basic control over what happens to their bodies, including increased risk of HIV/AIDS infection, she added. “Husbands and other male family members obstruct or even dictate women’s access to reproductive health care.”
This makes it imperative to stress the connection between violence against women and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, she added.
While strides have been made in securing the rights of women and girls through awareness and action, such as legislation to prevent and punish acts of violence against them, all stakeholders “must be vigilant to ensure that these laws are implemented effectively.”
Awareness needs to be raised in schools, churches and everywhere else in society, she advised. “We must continue to strengthen women’s economic power, work towards the elimination of poverty and reduction of women’s economic dependences.”
Addressing the gathering, Women’s Affairs Commissioner Sarah Wescott-Williams encouraged Peridot Road Foundation and the other women’s organisations on the island to continue to speak out against domestic violence. While strides have been made in St. Maarten, there is still a lot to be done if the happenings in the community are listened to, she added.
French side Deputy Mayor Nicole concurred with Wescott-Williams while expressing disappointment in especially the churches for not living up to their roles as a sanctuary for the weak of the community. A church group is often the first place a women talks about her experience, but confidentiality is no longer guaranteed, as it is quickly shared outside the circle, she stated.
Piper also shared her disappointment about the French side not having any women’s issue based organisation and stated her hope for a change in the future.
Foundation President Gracita Arrindell, who is also leader of People’s Progressive Alliance and an island councilwoman, called on everyone in the society to stand up against violence and report it to the authorities without failure.
Also sharing their organisations’ commitment to eradication of “the silent epidemic” were Women’s Awareness Movement (WAM) President Leona Arnell, Safe Haven President Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet and Cassilda van der Neut of Women’s Desk.
Mistress of Ceremonies was radio personality Elektra (Mercedes Wyatt). The St. Maarten song was preformed at the opening by the Seventh Day Adventist School Ensemble and a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of persons who have died violently on the island and around the world.
The evening came to a close with a candle-lighting ceremony, with a song by La Vaune Henry, to mark continuity and support in the world for the cause of women’s rights and eradication of domestic violence.
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