C&W joins global efforts for 16 Days of Activism

C&W Communications, the operators of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering gender equality and supporting efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) as it joined the global movement for the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Marking the world’s approach to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, the 16 Days of Activism provide a powerful opportunity to reinvigorate commitments, call for accountability and drive meaningful action to address violence against women and girls, said a media release.

“We believe every individual has the right to live and work in a safe environment, free from violence and fear,” said Inge Smidts, CEO of C&W Communications.

“Tragically, we’ve lost colleagues to acts of gender-based violence in recent years, a loss that has deeply affected us all. These heartbreaking events have only strengthened our resolve to take meaningful action.”

Launched by parent company Liberty Latin America, the company introduced a comprehensive GBV policy which delivers help to affected employees, including counselling and, in extreme cases, relocation to another country for their safety and well-being.

“Our commitment extends beyond raising awareness; it is about taking real, actionable steps to protect, empower and create safe spaces for everyone, particularly women and girls, within our communities and workplaces. Together, we can drive the change needed to eliminate violence and foster equality for generations to come,” said Smidts.

Through a range of impactful initiatives, C&W Communications has engaged employees, customers and partners to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and support survivors of gender-based violence across the Caribbean, the release said.

“As we stand alongside the UN and global advocates during these 16 Days of Activism, we recommit to empowering women and girls, addressing gender inequality, and offering unwavering support to our team members and communities impacted by gender-based violence,” added Smidts.

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue worldwide, with devastating effects on individuals and communities. According to UN Women, one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, a statistic that has remained unchanged over the last decade. Alarmingly, more than 38 per cent of women murdered globally are killed by their intimate partners, the release said.

In the Caribbean, the statistics are equally concerning. Studies reveal that women in the region face some of the highest rates of intimate partner violence globally, and Unicef highlights that one in four girls in the Caribbean has been subjected to sexual abuse before the age of 18.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence are observed annually between November 25 and December 10.