In an effort to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through its Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU), extended its sensitisation exercise to technical and vocational institutes across Guyana on Friday.
The exercise, aimed at educating students on GBV and promoting prevention strategies, was conducted at several technical institutes in Regions 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10, including the Leonora Technical and Vocational Institute, Government Technical Institute, Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre, Bartica Secondary School, and Linden Technical Institute.
The sessions focused on educating students about the different forms of GBV, its harmful impacts on individuals and communities, and the steps that can be taken for prevention and intervention.
Key to these discussions were the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act of 2010, which criminalizes sexual acts and underscores the importance of consent, as well as the newly enacted Family Violence Act of 2024, which extends protection to family members in domestic violence cases and grants law enforcement authorities arrest powers.
Participants also received valuable information on how to access critical resources for support, including the 914 Hotline, the CPA Hotline, the iMatter app, the Survivors’ Advocate Programme, and other reporting mechanisms at Ministry locations.
Dr. Cona Husbands, Manager of the SO&DVPU, explained that the sessions are part of an ongoing initiative by the ministry to raise awareness about GBV within educational settings. Recognizing the widespread impact of sexual offences and family violence on students, the ministry has expanded its outreach from secondary schools to include technical and vocational institutes.
“This is an extension of our campaign to reach as many people as possible,” Dr. Husbands stated. “We also want to raise awareness about the new Family Violence Act, so everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.”
Delphine Bakker, Chief Instructor at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Institute, highlighted the importance of the training, noting that it equips students with the knowledge to seek help and support when necessary. She emphasised the physical and psychological toll of violence and how GBV awareness can help empower individuals to take action.
“Not everyone is aware of Gender-Based Violence. We know that violence affects people not only physically but also mentally. The information shared today will help empower students to seek the help they need,” Bakker said.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in the lease said it remains committed to fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Through initiatives like this, the ministry said it is ensuring that young people are informed about their rights and equipped to prevent exploitation and abuse.
