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Last Updated: Nov 29, 2019 - 4:16:27 PM |
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, with employees of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services, the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and the Secretariat, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities as they 'orange' the Ministry in support of ending Gender-Based Violence in The Bahamas and around the globe. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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Nassau, The Bahamas – Employees of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services, the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, and the Secretariat of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities joined forces with the more than 25 female non-governmental groups in observing 16 Days of Activism For the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (Gender-Based Violence).
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign began on November 25 (observed globally as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls) and will end December 10 – the observance of International Human Rights Day.
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon Frankie A. Campbell (centre) with Leader of the Official Opposition, the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis at the conclusion of Sunday’s (November 24) Church Service at Life Changers Ministries International, Bacardi Road. Pictured (from left) are: Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director, Department of Gender and Family Affairs; Mrs. Kathryn Campbell, wife of Minister Campbell; Minister Campbell, Mr. Davis, and Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of Mr. Davis and a partner in the fight to end Gender-Based Violence in The Bahamas. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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The Campaign is used by advocates around the world as an organizing strategy to call for the elimination of all forms of Gender-Based Violence. The colour orange is used to symbolize the campaign under the banner: “Orange the World.” Employees adorned the main office of the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development in orange.
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, applauded employees for their efforts in helping to raise awareness in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and its debilitating effects.
“It is by no coincidence that this 16 Days of Activism ends on December 10 which is observed as International Human Rights Day as the whole question of Gender-Based Violence is a Human Rights issue. I give you the commitment of the government, and the assurance that the government supports zero tolerance to Gender-Based Violence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Minister Campbell said.
Host Pastors of Life Changers Ministries International, Bacardi Road, Apostle Valentino Williams (at right) and his wife Dr. Cleopatra Williams (at left) with Minister Campbell and Mrs. Campbell at the conclusion of the Church Service. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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“I am equally delighted to salute the members of Zonta Bahamas, S.M.A.R.T. Women, Women United Bahamas, Crisis Centre Bahamas, the National Organization of Women's Associations Bahamas (NOWAB), Teen Life Skills Services, Families of all Murdered (FOAM) Victims, Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWIL) Bahamas, and all other participating non-governmental organizations for raising awareness. The partnership is a powerful symbol of hope and positive change for the future.
“I wish to congratulate the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, along with the National Women’s Advisory Council (NWAC) and the Community of Non-Governmental Women’s Organizations for organizing events and activities to commemorate this historic feat. As the Minister of Social Services and Urban Development with responsibility for gender affairs, I am committed to the further advancement of women in every area and aspiration of their lives,” Minister Campbell added.
Women from almost 30 government and non-governmental organizations gathered at Life Changers Ministries International, Bacardi Road, on Sunday, November 24, for the Church Service that served as the official launch of the Week of Activities commemorating International Day For the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (Gender-Based Violence); the 16 Days of Activism For the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and the National Observance of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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Included in the list of observances is the national observance of the 57th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas. Minister Campbell said the three events – National Observance, International Day, and the 16 Days of Activism – are all linked.
“This year, I am especially thankful that more than 25 women-led non-governmental organizations have collaborated their efforts to organize the most extensive schedule of events in the history of these observances,” Minister Campbell said. “More than 20 events have been planned to commemorate the major feat of the suffragists, to raise awareness of the need to end violence against women and girls, and all violence; and to strengthen the partnership between government, private and civil society.”
Events included a Church Service held Sunday, November 24 at Life Changers Ministries International, Bacardi Road; the Launch of the 16 Days Campaign (held Monday, November 25 in Parliament Square); a Women in Leadership Ceremony at Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam (Tuesday, November 26) as part of the national observance of the Women’s Suffrage Movement and during which two new female groups were launched; and a Women’s Conclave conducted by The Bahamas Crisis Centre, among many other activities.
“I applaud all of the NGOs, Trade Unions, law enforcement agencies and church ministries that joined forces with the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and the wider Ministry of Social Services and Urban development,” Minister Campbell said.
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