The Office of Gender Affairs is observing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence to educate residents on gender related issues.

Gender Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Lorolie Connor said that in previous years, while the office has built up an audience of persons who advocate against violence, persons are still misinformed about gender-based violence.

She explained that for the next 16 days, the intent is to focus on strategies that will educate persons on the definition of gender and gender-based violence more specifically so persons are better equipped to address the problem.

Ms. Connor said that in the British Virgin Islands, there are more men murdered due to male-on-male related issues. That is classified as gender-based violence, because violence is a subculture among males.

She said that the office will launch a Gender Awareness Programme which will provide a greater understanding of the essentials of gender equality and equity. The overall goal is to create a culture of respect towards the rights of both males and females.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence awareness campaign is an international campaign that highlights the link between violence-free lifestyles and human rights yearly. The 16-day observance begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 to International Human Rights Day on December 10.

The international campaign originated from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute and was coordinated by the Center for Women's Global Leadership in 1991.The International theme for the 16 Days of Activism is “Peace in the Home: Peace in the World”. The Office of Gender Affairs would like to create a society where there is gender equality and equity for all.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspired to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitate human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands. 

Flyer attached.