Independent Senator: ‘Wajangs’ deserve respect too

The event, put on with the support of the San Fernando City Council and sponsorship of the United Nations, was organised to highlight violence against women and to showcase social tools which can prevent it. “Stay woke, understand what is happening around us,” said Edwards. “It does not matter if a woman wears a short skirt, or a blouse that is see through or if she presents herself as a wajang. No man, as well as any woman, has any right to disrespect her in any which way.

“We have a perception when it comes to a woman’s responsibility in protecting herself and a lot of the times we feel as if a woman does not carry herself in a particular way or does not do things in a particular manner, that once she follows things the right way, she will no longer have to suffer violence. But nothing is further from the truth.” Edwards urged those gathered to think critically about the language they use in speaking about women. “We continue in society to say certain things without understanding the consequences of the things that we are saying.” Edwards also called for the desegregation of sexual and reproductive health education in schools. Boys and girls should sit in the same classrooms and learn about the bodily functions of their own and the opposite sex in order to foster greater understanding and edge the country closer to achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). Aurora Noguera Ramkissoon, director of the United Nations Population Fund, said realising gender equality was fundamental to achieving these SDGs. Ramkissoon called for universal access to sexual and reproductive health services for women, particular rural women.

“Women who choose family planning are healthier and place lower risk on maternal death,” Ramkissoon said. “Children born to women who space their pregnancies tend to be healthier and face reduced risk of death within the first five years of their child’s birth.

The families are better off financially and their children receive a better education helping to trigger a cycle of prosperity that they carry on for future generations.” San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello expressed the City’s support for the initiative as well as the HeforShe and Every Caribbean Woman Every Caribbean Child initiatives, all of which share common goals.

“Through the guidance and support of the United Nations, I am confident that we will make the necessary strides towards the elimination of these terrible acts and create a better society and future for generations to come,” said Regrello.