Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 4, 2005): The St. Kitts department of Gender Affairs will join more than ninety countries around the globe in celebrating 16 Days of Women's Rights Activism against Gender Violence from November 25- December 10.
The 16 days begin on International Women's Day Against Violence, November 25 and end on International Human Rights Day, December 10, two significant days in the advancement of women. The period symbolizes the link between violence against women and human rights and emphasizes that such violence is a violation of human rights laws.
This 16-day period also envelopes other significant dates such as World AIDS Day (December 1), and the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, when fourteen female engineering students were murdered for being feminists
(Dec 6).
This year marks the 15th annual campaign of the 16 days of activism against Gender Violence. The International theme this year is, "For the Health of Women, For the Health of the World: No More Violence."
Director of Gender Affairs Ingrid Charles Gumbs said, "We must take this opportunity to acknowledge that violence against women is a public health crisis and an obstacle to equality, security and peace. Addressing the connections between violence against women and the HIV/AIDS pandemic is also imperative. Violence limits women's ability to protect against infection and access to health information and services."
The St. Kitts Department of Gender Affairs has planned a rich calendar of events including a candlelight service on November 25; a panel discussion on November 28 and a Public Forum on December 6th.
A primary school poetry competition titled "Youth Symposium," and radio spots would also be aired during the 16-day period.
