UNC Women: What are Gov’t Plans for Gender Violence?

Dr. Catherine Ali, Women Affairs Officer, UNC

The Women’s Arm of the United Congress is deeply concerned by the continued disregard for women in Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrated through patterns of disrespect, abuse and violence.

The recent case of the dismembered body of an Embacadere mother is a ghastly reminder of extent to which the human body is devalued and human suffering extended.

A fourteen year old boy, suffered a similar fate; his limbs were hacked from his body. This worrisome trend points to a degeneration in the systems and institutions responsible for citizen’s security in Trinidad and Tobago. It is becoming increasingly difficult for citizens to live without being abused or targeted in some way.

The unfortunate incident in which a female driver was hounded and abused, verbally and physically, by an enraged taxi driver is just another example. While many incidents are unreported and ignored, more women are taking to social media to highlight instances of abuse. This does not absolve the state from its responsibility to address the issue of gender violence.

The Women’s Arm of the United National Congress also notes that these recessionary times elevate stress. Unemployment, retrenchment and higher prices cause greater hardships for families and a greater propensity for violent actions. We therefore call on the Ministry of Gender (which has now been placed under guardianship of the Honourable Prime Minister) to immediately outline its plans to address these matters.

Wednesday March 23rd, 2016