By Mark DaCosta- Amanza Walton-Desir, leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), has recently highlighted the ongoing crisis of violence against women and femicide in our nation. Her statements underscore a pressing need for urgency and accountability as gender-based violence continues to rise. With alarming statistics revealing that a substantial proportion of women in our country have faced various forms of violence, Walton-Desir asserts that it is imperative for society to unite in addressing this dire issue. The FGM aims to not only raise awareness but to implement concrete measures to protect the dignity and lives of vulnerable women in Guyana.
A recent survey revealed that over half of all women aged between 15 and 64 in Guyana have experienced some form of violence during their lives. The statistics are staggering — four out of ten women have faced physical or sexual violence from a partner, a figure significantly higher than the global average.
Psychologists say that this disturbing reality stems from deep-rooted societal beliefs that often tolerate aggression toward women and hold traditional views concerning family dynamics. The FGM unequivocally states, “Violence against women — whether on the streets, in their homes, or behind a screen — is violence all the same.” This assertion encapsulates the urgent need to confront all forms of abuse and support survivors in seeking justice.
Digital spaces, which were intended as avenues for empowerment, have increasingly become avenues of fear for young women. According to recent findings from the Organisation of American States, women aged 18 to 24 are 27 percent more likely to experience cyber-abuse compared to their male counterparts. Walton-Desir emphasises the importance of building a safer and more respectful digital environment, urging a collective commitment to protect our daughters, sisters, and friends. “Online abuse must be confronted with the same urgency, accountability, and zero tolerance we demand offline,” she asserts.
Despite significant efforts to address gender-based violence, particularly by Non-Government Organisations, many women still fear stigma or lack knowledge of the support services available to them. Alarmingly, nearly half of all women who endured intimate partner violence have never reported their experiences, preferring to remain silent. This silence represents a broader crisis that the FGM aims to dismantle says Walton-Desir. As the urges, “Let us stand together to build a safer, more respectful digital environment for all women and girls.”
The issue of femicide, the killing of women, remains a particularly horrible manifestation of gender-based violence, with Guyana historically recording one of the highest femicide rates in the Caribbean. A 2021 study highlighted that approximately two women per 100,000 are victims of femicide annually, with the vast majority murdered by intimate partners or family members. Compounding this tragic statistics are emerging patterns where perpetrators not only take the lives of their partners but also their own, signalling a critical need for intervention before violence escalates.
To combat these trends, the Forward Guyana Movement has laid out a commitment to confront femicide directly. Their proposed measures include the enforcement of restraining orders, the establishment of safe houses across regions, the introduction of national early warning systems, and training law enforcement to respond with both urgency and empathy. These initiatives aim to not only protect potential victims but also address the systemic failures that have often left women vulnerable, says Walton-Desir.
Guyana has updated its legal framework in response to gender-based violence, with key amendments aimed at providing better protection for survivors. The Family Violence Act of 2024 introduces significant changes, such as allowing survivors to remain in their homes while keeping offenders away. However, despite these strides, the absence of standalone legislation specifically addressing femicide as an independent crime reflects a gap in our legislative response. While current laws seek to criminalise violence against women, advocates argue that more needs to be done. As Walton-Desir states, “We cannot promise to end femicide overnight, but we can promise this: under FGM, silence and inaction will no longer be options.”
It is vital to commend the Forward Guyana Movement for their advocacy in raising awareness around these critical issues. Their commitment to confronting gender-based violence signals a promising step toward a society where women can live without fear of violence, whether at home, in public, or online.
