By: Benita Adesuyan

Monday, 25 November marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Now in its 21st year in the Cayman Islands, the 16-day global campaign raises crucial awareness of gender-based violence through a series of community activities.

According to research by the UN, globally, nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime. Last year in the Cayman Islands, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) reported 399 domestic violence crimes, a 6% increase from the previous year, which indicates why the campaign is so important. However, domestic violence is only one category of gender-based violence. The increase in awareness, community support and ultimately the reporting of crimes helps to bring the issue to the surface where the police, RCIPS Protective Services and the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub can intervene.

The term gender-based violence refers to instances where gender is the basis for violence carried out against a person. The term describes any type of harm that is perpetrated against a person or group of people because of their factual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Gender-based violence can be sexual, physical, verbal, psychological (emotional), or socio-economic and it can take many forms, from verbal violence and hate speech on the internet, to rape or murder. Men can also be victims of gender-based violence: while statistically, the number of such cases is far smaller, in comparison with women, it should not be ignored.

Karlene Bramwell, Senior Policy Analyst, Gender Affairs Unit, said: “The Gender Affairs Unit is proud to support the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in the Cayman Islands. Gender-based violence is not a “women’s issue”, it is a community issue that affects us all. The more we condemn abusive behaviour or acts of violence against a person or group, along with raising awareness of these crimes and their devastating impact on families and communities, the closer we come to creating a society where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. This year’s theme is ‘There’s No Excuse – Unite to End GBV”, and I hope that individuals, companies and community groups will take this opportunity to reflect on their experiences and practices, better understand the causes and impacts of gender-based violence, and consequently take action to eliminate it.”

The 16 days of activism runs from Monday, 25 November, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through to Tuesday, 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.

The signature colour of the campaign is orange. As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents vibrance and a future free from violence against women and girls.

This year’s activities in Grand Cayman offer a colourful and expressive combination of art, education, and community dialogue. Highlight events that are accessible to all members of the public include, the Silent Witness March which takes place on Wednesday, 27 November, Floetry Open Mic night at the Harquail Theatre Studio, and a community dialogue event providing an open and compassionate space to have a non-judgemental conversation about the impact of domestic and gender-based violence.

Additionally, the Family Resource Centre initiative, The Clothes Line Project, returns again this year. The initiative was devised as a creative and healing space to help people face the brutal reality of personal violence against women in the community. The project brings together survivors of all forms of violence or supporters of victims/survivors to design T-shirts as a testament to their experience. These personal expressions are then hung on a clothesline for public display to “air” the issue of violence in our homes and communities. The T-shirts will be displayed in public community spaces such as hospitals and health centres during the 16 days.

Schedule of public events

For more information on the community activities, please visit The Family Resource Centre (gov.ky).

To learn more about the Gender Affairs Unit, visit Home | Gender Affairs Unit (gov.ky)