On November 24, 2024 the global community observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Guyana, as part of this community, is called to reflect on the gravity of a persistent crisis that continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. This year’s theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed,” brings into sharp focus the horrifying reality of gender-based violence and its alarming escalation.
Tragically, Guyana’s rates of domestic violence and femicide (gender-related killing of women) are among the highest in the Caribbean – one needs only to look at this week’s news headlines to verify that fact.
Globally, the statistics on violence against women are troubling. According to the United Nations, nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner or other individuals at least once in their lifetime.
Guyana ranks among highest in Caribbean
The statistics for Guyana mirror this global crisis with alarming precision. Domestic abuse is widespread, with 40 percent of women in Guyana reporting having experienced some form of violence, while the nation leads the Caribbean in femicide rates, with an appalling 8.8 femicides per 100,000 women.
The scope of violence against women goes far beyond physical abuse. The United Nations defines violence against women as any act of gender-based violence that results in or could result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm. This violence manifests in numerous forms, from intimate partner violence (including physical and psychological abuse, marital rape, and femicide) to sexual violence and harassment, such as rape, unwanted sexual advances, forced marriage, and street harassment.
It also includes harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage, both of which remain prevalent in certain regions. In Guyana, these forms of violence take a heavy toll on women’s physical, emotional, and mental health, often pushing them into isolation and despair.
Disturbing aspects of violence against women
One of the most disturbing aspects of violence against women is its invisibility. The UN has highlighted the pervasive culture of impunity, silence, stigma, and shame that surrounds these acts, often preventing victims from reporting their experiences or seeking help. The fear of not being believed, coupled with the social stigma attached to being a victim of violence, keeps many women trapped in abusive relationships.
As a result, the true scale of the problem remains largely hidden. In Guyana, as elsewhere, this silence only perpetuates the cycle of violence, making it harder for victims to break free from their abusers and for society to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
In 2023, a tragic milestone underscored the deadly reality of this violence: more than 51,000 women worldwide were murdered by their intimate partners or family members, marking a death every 10 minutes. The brutal deaths of women, often at the hands of those closest to them, are a tragic reminder of the extreme dangers faced by women in abusive situations. This violence is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal one, with profound implications for the entire community.
Cycle of violence
The cycle of violence is further exacerbated by a range of factors, including economic inequality, cultural attitudes, and lack of access to support systems. Women in vulnerable situations, such as those living in poverty, rural areas, or conflict zones, are disproportionately affected by violence. Migrant women, indigenous people, women with disabilities, and members of the LGTBI community also face heightened risks. In Guyana, the intersection of these vulnerabilities only deepens the crisis, making it essential for policy responses to be inclusive and comprehensive.
The United Nations has long been a vocal advocate for the elimination of violence against women, calling on governments to adopt strong legal frameworks, enforce existing laws, and provide support for survivors. The UN’s emphasis on accountability and action remains central to addressing the crisis.
Governments must hold perpetrators accountable
Governments must hold perpetrators accountable, provide services and support for survivors, and invest in national strategies to prevent violence. Furthermore, it is vital that sufficient funding is allocated to women’s rights organisations, which play a critical role in advocating for change and providing essential services to victims.
In Guyana, there has been some progress in recent years, but much remains to be done. While the country has passed laws aimed at protecting women from violence, the enforcement of these laws remains inconsistent.
Police, legal authorities, and social services must be better equipped to support women in danger, and more resources must be directed towards improving the response to gender-based violence. More must also be done to raise awareness about the issue, educate communities on healthy relationships, and reduce the stigma surrounding violence against women.
The call for action is not just a responsibility for the government but for all sectors of society. Civil society organisations play a vital role in advocating for policy changes, offering support to victims, and creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences.
At the family and community level, individuals must take responsibility for challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, promoting gender equality, and supporting those who are affected by violence. Education, particularly in schools, can also play a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards women and girls and ensuring that future generations understand the importance of respect, consent, and equality.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, presents an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can contribute to ending the cycle of violence. It is clear that a coordinated approach is necessary — one that involves the government, civil society, communities, and individuals.
We must all work together to end violence against women, ensure justice for victims, and build a society where women can live free from fear and violence. The time for action is now. Every life lost to violence is a life that could have been saved with greater awareness, stronger laws, and a collective commitment to change.
Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed; Guyana ranks among highest in Caribbean
On November 24, 2024, as the global community observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Guyana is called to reflect on the gravity of a persistent crisis that continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. This year’s theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed,” brings into sharp focus the horrifying reality of gender-based violence and its alarming escalation.
Tragically, Guyana’s rates of domestic violence and femicide (gender-related killing of women) are among the highest in the Caribbean – one needs only to look at this week’s news headlines to verify that fact.
Globally, the statistics on violence against women are troubling. According to the United Nations, nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner or other individuals at least once in their lifetime.
Guyana ranks among highest in Caribbean
The statistics for Guyana mirror this global crisis with alarming precision. Domestic abuse is widespread, with 40 percent of women in Guyana reporting having experienced some form of violence, while the nation leads the Caribbean in femicide rates, with an appalling 8.8 femicides per 100,000 women.
The scope of violence against women goes far beyond physical abuse. The United Nations defines violence against women as any act of gender-based violence that results in or could result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm. This violence manifests in numerous forms, from intimate partner violence (including physical and psychological abuse, marital rape, and femicide) to sexual violence and harassment, such as rape, unwanted sexual advances, forced marriage, and street harassment.
It also includes harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage, both of which remain prevalent in certain regions. In Guyana, these forms of violence take a heavy toll on women’s physical, emotional, and mental health, often pushing them into isolation and despair.
Disturbing aspects of violence against women
One of the most disturbing aspects of violence against women is its invisibility. The UN has highlighted the pervasive culture of impunity, silence, stigma, and shame that surrounds these acts, often preventing victims from reporting their experiences or seeking help. The fear of not being believed, coupled with the social stigma attached to being a victim of violence, keeps many women trapped in abusive relationships.
As a result, the true scale of the problem remains largely hidden. In Guyana, as elsewhere, this silence only perpetuates the cycle of violence, making it harder for victims to break free from their abusers and for society to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
In 2023, a tragic milestone underscored the deadly reality of this violence: more than 51,000 women worldwide were murdered by their intimate partners or family members, marking a death every 10 minutes. The brutal deaths of women, often at the hands of those closest to them, are a tragic reminder of the extreme dangers faced by women in abusive situations. This violence is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal one, with profound implications for the entire community.
Cycle of violence
The cycle of violence is further exacerbated by a range of factors, including economic inequality, cultural attitudes, and lack of access to support systems. Women in vulnerable situations, such as those living in poverty, rural areas, or conflict zones, are disproportionately affected by violence. Migrant women, indigenous people, women with disabilities, and members of the LGTBI community also face heightened risks. In Guyana, the intersection of these vulnerabilities only deepens the crisis, making it essential for policy responses to be inclusive and comprehensive.
The United Nations has long been a vocal advocate for the elimination of violence against women, calling on governments to adopt strong legal frameworks, enforce existing laws, and provide support for survivors. The UN’s emphasis on accountability and action remains central to addressing the crisis.
Governments must hold perpetrators accountable
Governments must hold perpetrators accountable, provide services and support for survivors, and invest in national strategies to prevent violence. Furthermore, it is vital that sufficient funding is allocated to women’s rights organisations, which play a critical role in advocating for change and providing essential services to victims.
In Guyana, there has been some progress in recent years, but much remains to be done. While the country has passed laws aimed at protecting women from violence, the enforcement of these laws remains inconsistent.
Police, legal authorities, and social services must be better equipped to support women in danger, and more resources must be directed towards improving the response to gender-based violence. More must also be done to raise awareness about the issue, educate communities on healthy relationships, and reduce the stigma surrounding violence against women.
The call for action is not just a responsibility for the government but for all sectors of society. Civil society organisations play a vital role in advocating for policy changes, offering support to victims, and creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences.
At the family and community level, individuals must take responsibility for challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, promoting gender equality, and supporting those who are affected by violence. Education, particularly in schools, can also play a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards women and girls and ensuring that future generations understand the importance of respect, consent, and equality.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, presents an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can contribute to ending the cycle of violence. It is clear that a coordinated approach is necessary — one that involves the government, civil society, communities, and individuals.
We must all work together to end violence against women, ensure justice for victims, and build a society where women can live free from fear and violence. The time for action is now. Every life lost to violence is a life that could have been saved with greater awareness, stronger laws, and a collective commitment to change.
