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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
History-making women gather to celebrate the Arts (Photo: Felicity Ingraham)
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Nassau, Bahamas - The United Nations
International Day to End Violence Against Women was celebrated in the Bahamas on November 25th with a Women in the Arts event; it was a solemn and passion-filled nights in which poetry, film, and song featured themes to promote awareness.
The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas came alive in bright orange colours and women and men came together in solidarity for a worthy cause. Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin thanked all who helped to make all the events held on honour of National Women's Week memorable ones. She said that it was encouraging to see so many young girls participating, ensuring that the future generations have a better chance at beating the odds of becoming victims of violence.
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rome Italia Johnson addressed those gathered, imploring women to increase their level of self-respect and the respect they require others to have for them, in order to decrease their chances of becoming victims of violence.
Danielle Dorsette gave moving performances when she powerfully sang the Lord's Prayer and her rendition of "Super Woman" by Alicia Keys. Nashon Huyler and Mickel Glinton were brought to tears when they presented the poem, "Remember Me", hailing the life of the first woman - Eve. Leslie "LezzBoogie" Tynes was all smiles as she performed the legendary maya Angelou's poem, "Phenomenal Woman".
Many couples and family members came together to watch the performances of Women in the Arts at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (Photos: Felicity Ingraham)
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Filmmaker Trevor Clarke presented a part of his movie, "Get Out" encouraging women not to stay in abusive relationships. Anasarcia Palacious-Huyler hosted the night which included expressions of art with themes focused on ending incidents of violence against women and girls
Member of Parliament for Long Island, Loretta Butler-Turner, Ali Macintosh of the Bahamas Constitution Party, attorney Mavis Johnson-Collie, Mr. Felix Stubbs, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, attorney Edward Turner, Terneille Burrows, and Lindsay Thompson rubbed shoulders during the memorable night.
The International day was first deemed on November 25, 2000 and has been commemorated around the world ever since. UN Women held a "UNiTE to Color the World Orange" campaign, which resonated in the Bahamas as well with the "Orange your Office" campaign, hosted by the newly-formed Department of Gender and Family Affairs, led by Director Gaynel Curry.
The Department of Statistics was declared the winner of the "Orange Your Office Campaign." Judges said their creativity in not only decorating their office, but also performing a passionate skit to bring awareness to violence against women gave them the edge.
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Bottom left shows Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Rome Italia Johnson speaking out to condemn violence against women (Photos: Felicity Ingraham)
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