Antigua Celebrates Global V-Day

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lifestyle

Friday, 15 February 2013 02:30

By Delana Isles

Antigua St. John's - Women, men and children came out yesterday to celebrate with the Women of Antigua (WOA), and the rest of the world, as it stepped up its campaign to end violence against women and girls with a Valentine’s Day rally at Lower Redcliffe Street, St. John’s.

WOA member, Zahra Airall, said she was gratified to see the crowd that came out to celebrate the One Billion Rising campaign, which demands an end to violence against women.

“The population can be fickle at times and it can also be hostile towards new things but the response was good. I am glad.”

She added that the organization is not just doing these sorts of events for women but girls as well to preserve their youth and self worth and she was happy to see passersby stop or come out after work to show support and listen to the message.

Airall told Caribarena that since the start of the rally, one person approached her about information on getting help with the abusive marriage that they are in.

“I am not a counselor, but I will put her on to one of the counselors. For me that alone says that we have gotten through to someone and I am also glad to see the men here today.”

Airall noted that men play a part in the campaign as well, and that she is very proud to see that over the past five years the men are getting more and more involved.

Meanwhile, the V-Day performances started off with a very energetic and well received dance by the children of Dance Centre.

Member of the Professional Organisation of Women in Antigua and Barbuda, Joy-Ann Harrigan spoke about the necessity of counseling for victims of domestic abuse and rape.

She pointed out to the gathering that counseling is necessary for persons to be able to deal with the trauma, ”Counseling takes you from being a victim to being a survivor.”

Recounting the story of one domestic abuse victim, Airall said that today, Sylvia – the victim - has risen from being a victim of abuse to now being a survivor.

Sylvia’s story is one of continuous abuse at the hands of her partner, which culminated with him cutting off her thumb with a cutlass, which had been soaked overtime in vinegar.

Sylvia’s story, when recounted to police at the time of the abuse, was not believed and she was questioned as to whether she really believed her partner was trying to kill her, Airall said. Things like this should not be allowed to happen.

Other performances included a rendition of Alicia Key’s hit song ‘Girl on Fire’, a recitation of the local play ‘When a Woman Moans’ and by local social media network ‘Walking into Walls’.

The V-Day initiative is one which seeks to break the cycle of violence against women and girls around the world. This year 1 Billion women and those who love them were invited to walk out, dance, rise up and demand an end to the violence.

The celebration of One Billion Rising was yesterday a WORLD HAPPENING with women from all corners of the world, including  the Caribbean joining the campaign and showing love and support for victims of abuse.

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