Georgetown, Guyana – A pivotal event is set to take place at The National Library in Georgetown on November 28, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, to confront a pressing issue that has long been overshadowed: gender-based violence against women with disabilities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, this launch event is a clarion call for immediate action. It aims to ignite a conversation around the compounded vulnerabilities faced by women with disabilities in times of crisis.
The event marks the release of a comprehensive community research report, “Women with Disabilities and Gender-Based Violence in Emergency Situations and Beyond: Lessons from COVID-19.” This study represents a collaborative research effort by York University, The University of the West Indies – St. Augustine, Red Thread Guyana, and the National Commission on Disability.
The report promises a deep dive into the lived realities of Guyanese women with disabilities, offering nuanced insights into how gender and disability intersect to exacerbate conditions for women during the pandemic’s restrictive lockdowns.
With an impressive roster of speakers, including representatives from York University, The University of the West Indies – St. Augustine, and The Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, the event is poised to be a milestone in the advocacy for disability rights and gender equality.
Moreover, women with disabilities, who have been instrumental in contributing their experiences to the research, will take center stage to share their stories. Their powerful testimonies are expected to challenge societal norms and encourage the formulation of targeted policies and interventions.
As Guyana grapples with the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this event stands as a beacon of hope, striving to ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against gender-based violence. The broader discourse aims to spur a transformation in the approach to disability rights and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
The nation is urged to stand in solidarity with this initiative, recognizing the strength and resilience of women with disabilities, and to take collective steps toward dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate violence and inequality.
