State House Illuminated in Orange to Mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The State House was illuminated in orange on Thursday evening as Guyana joined  countries around the world in marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based  Violence. The lighting ceremony served as a symbolic call for action to end violence  against women and girls and promote safer communities. 

The event was organized by the High Commission of Canada and the United Nations  Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.  President Dr. Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali were in attendance, along with Canadian High  Commissioner Mr. Sébastien Sigouin and UNDP Resident Coordinator Ms. Jean Kamau. 

The activity also highlighted ongoing cooperation between Canada, the UNDP/UN, and  national partners in support of Guyana’s efforts to address gender-based violence through  legal reform, enhanced service delivery for survivors, and community-level prevention  activities, with a strong focus on reaching vulnerable and remote populations. 

Observed annually from November 25 to December 10, the 16 Days campaign brings  global attention to the urgent need to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence and  advance the rights and safety of women and girls. This year’s 16 Days campaign theme is  “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”. This theme emphasizes  the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence, including cyberstalking, harassment,  deepfakes, and online image abuse, calling for action from governments, technology  companies, and the public to ensure digital spaces are safe and equitable.