26th November 2024

United Workers Party Stands in Solidarity with All Women in Observation of 15 days of Activism

By UWP

The United Workers Party identifies with and joins women in St Lucia and globally as they mark 16 Days of Activism.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based violence campaign began on November 25th, 2024, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on December 10th, 2024, which is International Human Rights Day. These 16 days provide a dedicated period for advocacy and action.

This is spearheaded by UN Women – the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and empowerment of women. The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “time to act now”

During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good.

The United Workers Party Women’s Arm is spearheading activities in St Lucia as part of the 16 Days of Activism. An Orange Ribbon campaign has been launched. Women and others in solidarity are encouraged to adorn their vehicles with orange ribbons and wear orange during the 16 day period as a show of protest.
As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents a future free from violence against women and girls. Orange has also been used internationally as a color to symbolize human rights and protests.

We note the following among others:
- Open repression and victimization against female vendors in the city of Castries.
- The ongoing problem of gender based domestic violence.
- The still unresolved murder of Kimberly Williams De Leon, a mother of two, who
was shot and killed at her home at Chef Harry Drive, Morne Fortune at about 10:30 p.m. on October 29, 2018.
- Sexual Harassment and intimidation in the workplace. We are particularly
concerned over the revelation of missing files by Ag Police Commissioner Verne
Garde in the case involving Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ronald Phillip who
has been accused of sexual misconduct by a number of women in the service.
- The case of Frances Daniel a Rastafarian mother of Micoud who despite a ruling of "unlawful police killing" by Magistrate Robert Innocent on July, 24
th , 2015 in relation to the death of her son Chakadan Daniel, is yet to receive justice.
- High food prices which directly impacts many women who are single parents.

The UWP calls on the three women within the Cabinet of Ministers: Hon. Emma
Hippolyte, Hon. Dr. Virginia Albert Poyotte and Hon. Hon. Dr. Pauline Antoine Prospere to speak out on issues affecting St Lucian women. We also note with curiosity the voices which have gone quiet and are no longer raised in defence of women.

The United Workers Party is committed on its return to Government to implement policy measures which will seek to advance the cause of women and protect them against acts of gender based abuse.

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