Minister Edghill urges women to say ‘no’ to domestic violence
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill M.P. is calling on women to say no to domestic violence.
The minister was at the time delivering remarks at the Women’s Progressive Organisation’s event aimed at observing “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.”
The event was held at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre in Linden, Region 10 and forms part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
Minister Edghill reminded women that they must never be silent about domestic violence adding that violence in any form at any time must be condemned in every form and fashion.
“To all the women here today, as we stand against this scourge, do not listen to the sweet talk of any man. Protect yourselves and do what is necessary,”
The Minister said that while he does not promote divorce, he would not encourage women to stay in a relationship where they are being brutalised.
Minister Edghill also said that emphasis must not only be placed on the cause of domestic violence, but also on solutions. He said there is need for more men who lead their homes by way of love, and who add value to women.
However, the Minister made a pitch to women, urging them to teach men how to love themselves.
“Part of the problem is how we are socialised. We cannot solve a problem at the same level that it was created. If a problem is created at a particular plane, you have to get a higher level of consciousness to solve that problem. So, we must start working with men. If we are going to protect our women, we have to do a big job on our men,” the Minister stated.
The Minister highlighted that no one case of domestic violence can be treated with the same approach. He said this is why Government is investing in programmes to financially empower women so that they can stand on their own.
“That is why programmes like Women of Worth, initiatives with the Small Business Bureau, the Women’s Leadership Institute, skills training, special programmes for single mothers are so important. Don’t just sit, go and knock on the doors and make sure you get the required help because you need economic empowerment to free yourself and ensure that your human rights are not continually violated because you are trapped economically.”
Minister Edghill explained to the women that there are laws and mechanisms in place to protect and provide assistance to women such as legal aid.
Additionally, only recently, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C. M.P. disclosed that in the new year, a slew of legislation will be laid in the National Assembly to address domestic and sexual violence.