The world will observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Nov. 25); and will celebrate Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

During the period Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, Saint Lucia will join the rest of the world in recognition of “Sixteen Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence”. Ahead of this observance the Department of Gender Relations is uniting forces with other departments of government, NGOs and civil society to ensure that the sixteen-day observance results in actions that contribute to the implementation of an existing strategic partnership plan to reduce incidences of gender based violence in Saint Lucia.

The United Nations “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women” campaign is observing the “Sixteen Days of Activism to end Gender Based Violence” under the global advocacy theme: Orange the World: #HearMeToo. It was launched in September at the United Nations General Assembly. UNiTE is encouraging countries around the world to engage in global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations during the period Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. The colour orange will be a key theme, uniting activities all over the world.  Orange represents a brighter future free from violence against women and girls.

A meeting of stakeholders to plan Saint Lucia’s commemoration of Sixteen Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence took place at the Public Service Training Room in Union on Oct. 17. Meanwhile the Department of Gender Relations is asking Saint Lucians to all wear a touch of orange on Orange Day, Oct. 25, one month ahead of the observance of the Sixteen Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence.

Minister with responsibility for Gender Relations Dr. Gale T C Rigobert anticipates that the observance of the sixteen days will bring into sharp focus the myriad issues (socio-economic, emotional, cultural) that cause gender-based violence. She asserts that more importantly, relevant stakeholders will be motivated to work together and more speedily to strengthen the legislative framework to help correct or deter such behavior.

In that regard, the ministry recently held very productive meetings with regional and international partners such as UNWomen, UNFPA and CDB which have committed to partnering with Saint Lucia in responding to and stemming these and other gender related issues.