Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) in collaboration with over 300 of its partners from civil society will this Saturday stage its Annual Silent Protest in observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW).
The Silent Protest is a call to action to end violence against women and show solidarity with the countless women who have experienced or have been affected by violence. The objectives of the protest are to:
- Increase public awareness about the pervasiveness and effects of all forms of violence against women
- Support women who have experienced violence and denounce their guilt and shame.
- Break the silence surrounding sexual violence in Jamaica and the negative effects on women seeking healthcare and redress for physical and psychological injuries suffered as a result. It is also call for action from duty bearers to address the issue.
The Silent Protest has been endorsed by dancehall artiste, Kevyn Blair, one half of the popular duo Voicemail, who will be among the protestors.
The Silent Protest will start at 2 p.m. at the St. Andrew Parish Church Hall, Ellesmere Road and travel along Constant Spring Road to Half Way Tree Transport Centre and its environs. The slogan for the Silent Protest is ‘There can be no silence in violence: Speak up. Tell it. End VAW NOW!’ and urges women affected not to remain silent but instead to get the help they need.
There were 470 cases of rape in 2016, while 37 per cent of murders were domestic-related.
Executive Director of JASL, Kandasi Levermore, says the incidences of violence against women have reached epidemic proportions and is urging swift action to tackle the problem.
“The rate of violence against women, not just in this country but worldwide is alarming, and must immediately be addressed by the authorities to send a message to those who continue to perpetrate crimes against our women.”
The European Union currently funds JASL’S programme work around VAW within the context of HIV & AIDS.
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 1993 by resolution 48/104, IDEVAW charges governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with organising activities aimed at raising public awareness around the issue of VAW.
Supporting partners on Saturday’s Silent Protest are Eve for Life, National Family Planning Board, Jamaica Network of Positive Women, Jamaica Community of Positive Women, Caribbean Vulnerable Communities and Equality Jamaica. The protest is funded by AIDS Health Care Foundation.
The Silent Protest kicks off a week of activities by JASL and culminates with a candlelight vigil on December 1, World AIDS Day, in memory of those who have lost their fight with HIV & AIDS.
