International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

#November 25, 2023 – ‘Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls! # No Excuse’ is the theme to mark the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Safety and Utilities and the Telecommunications Commission will join the rest of the world in observance of 16 days of activism, which starts on 25 November with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and ends on 10 December with Human Rights Day. This is an annual campaign that calls for concerted efforts for the prevention and elimination of violence among women and girls.

During this period, we call on the entire Turks and Caicos Islands to take a stand for our women and girls. It does not matter your age, profession, or financial status. We all need to invest in the care and protection of those around us.

The cultural norms, societal practices, traditions, patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes regarding roles, responsibilities and identities, are significant contributors to violence against women and girls. Studies show that out of 16% of females who experience childhood sexual violence, two-thirds are likely to experience multiple incidences before the age of 18. Intimate partners remain the most common perpetrators of violence among women throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Based on the clients who report for assistance, it is clear that gender-based violence disproportionately harms women and girls in Turks and Caicos. Gender-based violence undermines the achievement of gender equality and, ultimately, societal sustainable development. Violence against women and girls is rampant and happens in both private and public spaces. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and those unemployed or under-employed face increased risks of sexual violence and exploitation.

We call on everyone throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands to stand together, speak up and act against all forms of violence against women and girls. The Department of Gender Affairs will continue our multisectoral efforts to advocate for the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence. It is our responsibility and obligation to join the rest of the world in investing the appropriate resources to communicate that we have adopted zero tolerance for this crime.

Key Activities

Join us on 25 November 2023 at the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church, starting at 9:30 a.m. for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls Church Service.

Members of the public are also encouraged to join the global community by wearing the colour orange from 25 November – 10 December to show support for the investment in initiatives to end violence against women and girls.

As we seek to share our national experiences globally, persons are encouraged to use the #OrangeTCI and #TCI16days hashtags and share messages on social media about the importance of ending violence against women.

The Department of Gender Affairs continues to stand in solidarity with regional and global movements toward ending all forms of violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are and remain committed to working with all members of society across all sectors to strengthen prevention efforts to ensure access to justice.