The theme is entitled: "The role and responsibility of men in preventing domestic violence."
The main address will be given by Mr. Edgar Lynch, with other panelists including a representative from the ‘men to men' organization, a social worker and a reverend.
On this day as well, the Government Information Service will air a Special, focusing on the topic of Domestic Violence and the surrounding issues. The special will air on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 15 at 6pm.
Joy Arnell from the Women's Desk said VIOLENCE PERSISTS IN ST MAARTEN/ST MARTIN
Arnell said this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which commemorates the assassination of thee political activists, the Mirabal sisters, by the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in Dominican Republic on 25th November 1960.
The 16 Days campaign against gender violence is a global campaign for women's rights. It starts on November 25th and continues until December 10th with the aim of stopping violence against women and commemorating all activists who have died fighting to end gender violence and promote equality for women, nationally and globally.
During the 16 day period we also observe 1st December which is World AIDS Day. The 6th of December remembers the ‘Montreal Massacre' when 14 female engineering students were killed in Montreal in 1989 by a man who blamed them for being feminists.
Finally, December 10th marks the day on which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed in Paris by the United Nations in 1948.
This campaign is observed by countries around the world.
Unfortunately The secretary general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon stated that violence against women continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world.'
Violence and violence against women in particular, continues to exist in our society, around the world and St Martin is no exception.
The observation of November 25 provides us the opportunity to reflect as a government, as individuals, as law makers and as a society.
Gender violence is not only a threat to all women and children, but it is an obstacle to all efforts for development, peace and gender equality. As long as there is one woman or child being abused we as a community cannot genuinely advocate that we are the friendly island. Arnell said.
"We need to take a stand against domestic violence. We need to evaluate our actions. As a nation we must challenge our harmful cultural practices, and we need to strengthen the ones that are positive."
"We must take personal responsibility to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. There needs to be some sort of protection for them and ensure that they are safe. If this island is to have a peaceful society then we need to recognize that violence against women is not a woman's problem. It affects children, families, and the economy. Women do not leave abuse behind when they leave their homes. It can lead to lateness, absenteeism and uneven work performance in schools.
Director of the Directorate of Social Development, Ministry of Public Health and Social Development Drs. H.L.F. "Keith" Carlo, in her message said "It is impossible for Human Rights to be Universal without recognizing that rights of woman are human rights also.
Not only as director of Social Development, but also personally as a man he feels committed to amplify the voices of the women and girls in the Netherlands Antilles, the Caribbean and the global world who have been subjected to violence and abuse so that survivors know they are not alone and that can count on them.
Carlo sent out an invitation to everyone especially men in society to take a brief moment during the coming 16 days of activism against gender violence to commemorate the universal declaration of human rights which has been in existence these past 60 years.' He said it is time that this time is used to put an end to gender equality and create an attitude of a world free from violence, discrimination and injustice.
Having such attitude is critical in building a peaceful and sustainable community where there is human right for all. He said for those working in development issues know that violence against women remains a serious impediment to achieving equitable development. Carlo assured that the Minister of health Mrs. Omaira Leeflang will sign the petition to say No to Violence Against Women Campaign which was created by the UNIFEM an agency of the United Nations.
