Message on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, 2024

As we observe, with the rest of the world, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, 2024, it is particularly disturbing that there is a rise in cases of women and children who suffers physically and emotionally within their homes and which may also occur in the world of work and the school environments. These include instances of verbal abuse, threats of violence, harassment, bullying which have also extended into cyber spaces. The Guyana Public Service Union issued several calls to the Government of Guyana for the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention C190 on Violence and Harassment that was adopted at the 108th International Labour Conference (ILC) session in Geneva on June 21, 2019, but to date, Guyana has taken no action to have ratified ILO C 190 and its Recommendation № 206.

The victims of violence often face misplaced shame from society which prevents breaking silence and eliminating all forms of violence. The Women’s Advisory Committee of the Guyana Public Service Union advocates for speaking out to end systemic and patriarchal norms from continuing. Also that the government implements better systems to prosecute perpetuators of such crimes. Each and every one of us has the inherent right to live a life of dignity, free from instances of any form of abuse, be it physical or emotional.

Public Services International (PSI) General Secretary Daniel Bertossa: calls on workers around the globe to reaffirm our fight against violence toward women – both in the workplace and beyond – with a particular focus on the alarming rise of feminicide. In 2023, a woman was killed every 10 minutes worldwide.

The effects of violence in the domestic environment overflows into the world of work. There are also instances of work place harassment and violence and eliminating this trend has to do with proactive approaches. One case of harassment and or violence in the world of work should not be tolerated. All should stand against such practices and speak out. It is no longer someone else’s concern as we all, collectively, has a responsibility to report violent behaviours if there is any chance of eradiating this scourge of our society.

The Women’s Advisory Committee calls on all in our society to take a stand against violent practices whether it’s physical or emotional, whether it happens to us or our neighbours, be an advocate. On this day November 25 that marks the observance against violence there is a role for all in joining hands to stand form and no longer tolerate any form of abuse. We, as a society, has a role also to stop the stigmatization of victims, especially our women folks that engage in slander to cause further harm, and instead call out the perpetuator for unlawful behaviour.

In Unity we stand with each other for the Elimination of all forms of Violence against Women, in the domestic and learning environments and in the world of work.