As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, the Office of Gender Affairs is launching a Gender Awareness Programme (GAP).

Gender Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Lorolie Connor said that GAP is geared towards bringing gender awareness and sensitivity to the forefront in an effort to provide greater understanding of gender equality and equity.

She continued, “During the 16 Days, the intention is to have gender messages in constant rotation via radio, television and social media. The overall goal of the programme is to create a culture of respect towards the rights of both males and females. It will pinpoint how existing values and norms influence our picture of reality, perpetuate stereotypes and support inequality.”

Ms. Connor said the programme includes a Gender Evolution video, which was produced to help persons understand what gender is, and to create the foundation for addressing gender matters. It also teaches how gender roles have evolved in modern times.

The video, produced by the Department of Information and Public Relations, will be available for viewing on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ YouTube and Facebook pages.

Ms. Connor said the video is a great teaching tool, adding, “If persons are not aware or uncertain as to what gender is or the difference between gender roles and sex, then we cannot expect them to understand our messages for advocating against gender-based violence.”

According to UN Women, gender-based violence is a pervasive human rights violation, a public health crisis, and an obstacle to equality, development, security, and peace.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence awareness campaign is an international campaign that highlights the link between violence-free lifestyles and human rights yearly. The 16-day observance began on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 and continues until International Human Rights Day on December 10.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.

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Note to Editor: 16 Days Poster and YouTube Link.