EU donates $1B to help Guyana tackle violence against women, girls

The Government of Guyana in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) on Saturday virtually launched a spotlight initiative aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls.

The EU will be contributing €4.5M or $1B towards Guyana’s efforts to tackle gender-based and family violence over a period of three years. It is one of six Caribbean countries to benefit from the initiative.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud said the initiative will open doors for a multi-sectoral approach.

“We will investigate every report of sexual and domestic abuse against women and girls and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) will be doing everything to end this scourge. I urge the public to not hesitate to report cases of abuse,” she said.

Chief Justice (Ag.) Roxane George, PPP/C Member, Ms. Bibi Shadick along with representatives from several non-governmental organisations, and faith-based organisations have signalled their support for the initiative. Minister Persaud and EU and UN representatives signed the country programme document at the close of the ceremony. (Department of Public Information)