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Last Updated: Nov 28, 2019 - 2:15:54 PM |
l to r:
Sherry Benjamin,
Nina Maynard (back),
Asline Blanc,
Dr. Theresa Adderley-Smith,
Patricia Rahming,
Marisa Mason-Smith,
Senator Honorable, Jamal Moss,
Khandi Gibson, FOAM;
Sally Johnson,
Charlene Paul,
Felicia Carey and
Sharon Martin. Photo by: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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Startling statistics on how Bahamians view gender-based violence were revealed by Keshan Bastian of the Ministry of Education, who spoke during a youth symposium event which was held in the lead up to the United Nations'-sanctioned '16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls'.
The Bahamas ranks third highest for being tolerant of the abuse of women, according to a recent survey conducted throughout the Caribbean.
Bastian revealed that a mere 7.7 per cent of Bahamians interviewed did not approve of a man abusing an unfaithful woman. Thirty per cent interviewed said while they didn't approve of abuse, they could understand if the man 'touched her up' for her unfaithfulness. Bastian said she wanted to know what constituted being 'touched up', and she discovered that slapping was not considered as grave as a punch or other forms of violence. An alarming 27 per cent interviewed said they could understand if a man abused his wife because she did not attend to household duties.
Sherry Benjamin, NCTUB;
Jessica Stubbs, Zonta;
Patricia Rahming, NCTUB;
Nina Maynard (back) Zonta;
Sharon Martin, NCTUB and
Sally Johnson, MOE. Photo by: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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"We have to be careful how we educate our daughters in an unspoken language," Bastian told the young people gathered.
"What you tolerate as a parent is a lesson in itself. We must teach our daughters that they are beautifully and wonderfully made and meant to be respected. We have to let them know that we, too, went through the things they are going through as young people."
Young people, she added, need to be educated on the various forms of violence, which can include forms of sexual violence such as someone invading your private space and dancing on you in a sexual manner at a party or club. There is also violence in technology, such as spreading rumours or using people's images disrespectfully and without consent.
Senator Jamaal Moss speaks with Asline Blank, founder of Mental Health Bahamas looking on. Photo by: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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Junior Achievers, members of YEP, the Youth Empowerment Programme, and students of the UB School of Nursing engaged in the rap session to candidly discuss issues of violence and ways to address it. Senator Jamaal Moss, one of the youngest in the history of the Upper House, also participated. He warned young ladies to send the right message to their male counterparts. For example, he said someone like him who treats a lady with respect and may aim to meet her needs could be treated poorly by the same woman who would accept rough and borderline violent behaviour from another man. He suggested that they set their standards high and maintain them in order to change the way how young men and women treat each other.
The Youth Symposium was moderated by the hilarious Jaquan 'Dasquay' Adderley, while Alexander 'Stacs' Hepburn put on a performance. Stephanie Frith of Princess Court spoke on "Break the Silence" and and Khandi Gibson of FOAM (Families of All Murder Victims) spoke on "End the Violence".
Keshan Bastian, Ministry of Education. Photo by: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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"Youth Perspective of Gender-Based Violence" was the topic of a special panel discussion moderated by Felicia Carey of Teen Life Skills. Panelists included Senator Moss, Asline Blanc, founder of Mental Health Bahamas, Kavita Garikaparthi of the Crisis Centre, and Sadia McKay of University of The Bahamas FEMALES group.
The young people were encouraged to push their Members of Parliament to ratify the International Labour Organisations' C-190, for the elimination of violence in the workplace. Sharon Martin, President of the National Congress of Trade Unions' Womens' Association, said The Bahamas singed in principle in June of this year. The goal, she said, is to take the 16 days of activism from "awareness to accountability'.
Marisa Mason Smith of the Zonta Club of New Providence gave an overview of the 16 days. Zonta Bahamas clubs have been leading the way in The Bahamas for the past seven years. All over the world, 16 days of activism is recognised. November 25, the International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls marks the start of the 16 days, and it culminates on December 10, which is the United Nations' Human Rights Day.
Kavita Garikaparthi of the Crisis Centre speaks, with Senator Jamaal Moss looking on. Photo by: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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young people participate in the 2019 Youth Symposium on Violence. Photo by: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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Charlene Paul of SMART Women and Miss Robin Lynes, LLB. Photo by: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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© Copyright 2019 by thebahamasweekly.com
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