Our women deserve better

THE EDITOR: Today (November 25) the world will observe International Day for the elimination of violence against women. A day designated by the United Nations General Assembly.

As we take a panoramic view at our women and girls in our modern society we can clearly see that there is a lot to be desired in the way we treat them. Even more alarming are the statistics right here in TT that attest to the violence that is handed out to our women and girls. Studies have shown that about one third of our women in TT have received intimate partner violence in their lifetime some (130,000) that is a huge and that is only one form of violence. Recent figures coming from our TT Police Service in relation to our children (girls) showed that there are three reports of child sexual abuse per day, with a 59 per cent increase in child sexual penetration. This goes on and on.

The reality is that our women and girls are under attack, physically, sexually and psychologically in the form of intimate violence, sexual assault, rape, stalking, street harassment, human trafficking, child marriage, child sexual abuse and female genital mutilation. What is even worse, is that every so often, so many of these cases remain unreported even in TT because of the stigma and shame that surrounds them. Violence against women is everyone’s business because at some point in our lives a female had a vital role to play.

I believe the world, and especially us in TT, must see our women and girls for what they are worth – precious gems, gifts from God to make this world a better place. If God saw fit to bless his creation with them there is a reason. Let us love, respect, care and support them in all their endeavours. I appeal to authorities to do all that is possible to ensure that these precious jewels are well protected and taken care of. I conclude by saying our women deserve better let us make this a reality in TT and worldwide.

Arnold Gopeesingh, San Juan