Saelese Haynes

For this week’s article, we present AFETT Asks, instead of Ask AFETT.

We are in the period of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV). This year the theme of the UNcampaign is: UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls, and a call to "Orange The World."

As part of our activities, AFETT held a multi-stakeholder-supported walk against GBV, where we launched our Survival Sisters initiative, which provides "grab bags" of emergency materials and resources for women fleeing violent situations. It will be available shortly through our implementing partner ITNAC.

[caption id="attachment_1047785" align="alignnone" width="722"] Saelese Haynes, director of research and public advocacy at AFETT. -[/caption]

Our 16 Days of Activism visual campaign features 16 beautiful women – inside and out – who share personal or professional stories of overcoming GBV situations. Posts are shared with the hashtag #AFETT16days.

AFETT is also participating in the UN's Spotlight Initiative Transition Conference – a global, multi-year partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.

Ahead of the conference, our research and public advocacy committee had a virtual interview with Tonni Brodber of UN Women and a panellist at Spotlight’s session on laws and policies to gain her insights on effective ways to prevent GBV.

How can the private sector invest in GBV prevention?

The private sector is critical in the fight against GBV because it can influence societal norms – shaping collective attitudes and behaviours that align with values that contribute to the overall well-being of communities. It can be through internal corporate policies, providing resources for awareness campaigns, supporting employee education and advocating for gender equality.

The private sector is also in a position to engage in public-private partnerships, support NGOs that are focused on policy reform and leverage their corporate influence to champion national policies.

The Women’s Empowerment Principles for Businesses was launched in 2010 and offers guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Examples of impactful initiatives taken by individuals

The Spotlight Initiative has allowed us to engage cultural gatekeepers such as artists, parliamentarians and Trinidad and Tobago's "first lady" Sharon Rowley, who has consistently demonstrated her commitment to end GBV.

UN Women Caribbean will also launch a 16 Days, 16 Ways social media campaign detailing creative and impactful ways the public and private sector can invest and put the ACT in ACTivism.

How did covid19 affect the prevalence of GBV in the Caribbean?

There is evidence that the covid19 pandemic intensified GBV due to lockdowns which resulted in increased isolation, risk for victims and restricted access to support services. Economic stress from loss of jobs/income was also a contributing factor to GBV, with hardship and stress heightening tension in the household and contributing

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