As Barbados confronts its recent downgrade in the United States’ human trafficking report, the National Organisation of Women (NOW) took its message directly to communities on Saturday, warning that violence and exploitation are often hidden in plain sight.
The urgency is underscored by the findings of a national intimate partner violence survey conducted by Jabez House, which found that 62 per cent of Barbadian women had experienced some form of gender-based violence.
President of NOW, Melissa Savoury-Gittens, said the annual motorcade, held during the 16 Days of Activism, was designed to provide accessible contact points for people who may be suffering in silence.
“Sometimes people don’t know where to go or how they can get help, and in many cases, they end up with the wrong advice,” she said. “We want them to see us, come to us and ask questions. Everyone on this motorcade is a practitioner of some form, so we will use this opportunity to guide them properly and connect them to services they need.”
This year’s theme focuses on digital violence, an area Savoury-Gittens believes Barbados must take more seriously.
She noted that “people still think of gender violence as mostly physical, but digital abuse is growing. This theme comes at the right time, especially with the evolution of AI and more. It helps us to shine a light on areas people don’t think about, and it shows where our laws and our protection systems are lacking. Once we see the gaps, we can work towards putting the right measures in place.”
Director of the Gender Affairs Unit in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, William Warner, echoed that view and confirmed that work is underway to modernise how Barbados responds to online harm. However, he stressed that “raising awareness right now is key.
“What we are hoping to do soon is go into the schools for continuous sensitisation…We cannot wait for the 16 Days of Activism campaign because awareness must be top of mind. This helps so people can recognise the signs early, whether it is physical abuse, digital harassment or exploitation.”
On the question of available resources for those experiencing gender-based violence, Warner said, “Under the Bureau of Gender Affairs alongside NOW, we have a range of options to help, which include counselling and training to help them get back on their feet. With regards to legislation and quicker access to criminal justice, that remains a work in progress.”
The NOW-on-the-MOVE motorcade began at the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs in Warrens and travelled through Cheapside, Golden Square, Bay Pasture and Skymall. Along the route, residents engaged with trained practitioners who offered guidance and shared information on available support services. Advocates urged the public to pay attention to subtle patterns that may signal exploitation, noting that “some warning signs are simple, which normally causes people to overlook them.”
Ultimately, the goal of the motorcade was to raise national consciousness and amplify the call to end all forms of gender-based violence, both online and offline.
However, Savoury-Gittens said, “the work does not end here. The 16 Days of Activism brings attention, but the message must continue long after. We have to stay present in the committees, strengthen our partnerships and keep pushing for better laws. That is how we make Barbados safer for everyone.” (DT)
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