| It may seem as though the media has been exploding with sanctions for violence against women in Guyana recently. However, it is not merely as effective as abuse itself which continues to occur daily.Sadly the act of violence is not limited to a particular age, class or culture in society. Lately, a brutal murder of a young girl was carried out by her not so adult boyfriend. Also making the headline was a person holding a prestigious recognition abusing a female activist.Members of Guyana’s two main political parties and concerned citizens have been critical of this unacceptable behaviour which has in some cases led to women being murdered.The APNU+AFC female candidates have tailored their campaign to the rights of women as they pledge in striving to eradicate woman violence which has been very prevalent in Guyana.Help and Shelter has also recently reemphasized the prevalence of domestic violence in Guyana. They reminded that the shelter is open for counseling to abused women and their partners who would have perpetrated the act of abused.Shelter is provided for women who have decided to walk away from abuse and have nowhere to turn to, along with their children; if any is involve. The shelter which is free of cost, accommodates these women for six months, however, this can be negotiable according to their circumstance.Abuse is not limited to a single avenue; it comes in various forms that women are not aware of, so they pass it by with their acceptance of the situation.It is almost sure that “bird calling” in the streets were taken as compliments or mere annoyance with no consequence by women. However, like all the other types of abuse, Street harassment is now being fought against.The “Witness Project” an initiative of the Margaret Clemons Foundation, in partnership with Help and Shelter,NFL Jerseys China, has embarked on a campaign which targets one root to woman violence.The campaign “IT’S NOT A COMPLIMENT- IT’S STREET HARASSMENT” was initiated to bring awareness and to educate not only women, but also men on the vile behavior,Cheap China Jerseys, street harassment.It seems as though, not only were the organizers of this campaign thinking out the box in identifying one cursor to the ongoing problem of woman violence, but some among them might have at some point been a victim of the violation.Alysia Christiani, a representative of the Witness Project, is able to proudly be a part of the initiative, as she too has been a victim of one of the worst types of street harassment while she was in New York. She now hopes to empower other women as she encouraged them to join in the fight against this unlooked at and prevalent issue.Christiani said, “We need to educate both men and women as to how street harassment is not just a compliment,NFL Jerseys China, but how it inhibits a woman’s ability to move about freely and without fear in public spaces.”Women are hardly able to traverse the streets without gaining too much or in some cases unwanted attention by men. Some women who do not understand the gesture behind the comments they receive on the streets, may take it as a compliment, when in reality, it is an attack on the woman depending on the thoughts of the man whom is sanctioning.Although some men may mean no harm as they genuinely give a compliment to a woman, many are in the habit of addressing women with provocative slogans and actions with the intent to possibly maim her.“Street Harassment ranges from leers, whistles,Wholesale Jerseys, honks, kissing noises, and non-sexually explicit evaluative comments,Cheap Jerseys NFL China, to more insulting and threatening behavior like vulgar gestures, sexually charged comments, flashing and stalking, to illegal actions like public masturbation, sexual touching, assault and murder.”The campaign which will be running for the rest of the year will see oversized posters featuring women and girls reacting to commonly used catcalls will be papered on participating businesses and public buildings across Guyana by the members of Witness Project. According to reports some major businesses has already came on board with the project.Along with the posters being put up, youths will be engaging in public handing out of flyers. There will be open discussions in the streets, defining street harassment to clarify why it is a problem. The public is also invited to join the on-going online discussion aimed at educating the public and brainstorming ideas on how to end street harassment.Rosheni Takechandra, the Project Director said that she is committed to leading the projects’ youth in this new endeavour. “It’s Not A Compliment it’s a much needed space, tool and campaign to make a strong,NFL Jerseys Cheap, firm and powerful statement in the Guyanese Society.“Witness Project has chosen to tackle this issue because though street harassment is seen as a minor and accepted offence (if it’s seen as an offence at all), is in reality a form of sexual harassment and the gateway to increased violence against women.”“Women will no longer stay silent on matters that concern their safety and freedom of expression in public spaces. This campaign is using marketing strategies and the arts to give women and girls a platform to make their voices heard. It is giving women and girls a space to work side by side with decent men to bring an end to the vile and worthless act of street harassment.”Help and Shelter said that the campaign is a continuation to its mission to end the cycle of violence against women and children through the use of the arts.With the prevalence of woman violence in Guyana, violence against women is being taken seriously. Women are advised to break the silence on any form of abuse, including street harassment. |
