To mark its first anniversary, the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls held a commemorative meeting under the theme "Women's economic empowerment and the Shadow Pandemic: Addressing root causes of violence against women and girls through financing and economic empowerment".

Guyana's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, delivered remarks at the meeting, emphasizing
the need to have a strengthened focus on prevention strategies that address the root causes of violence against women and girls which would involve changing attitudes and negative social norms as well as breaking the cultures of silence and acceptance.

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett shared that in Guyana, the government is promoting public awareness on the issue of violence in schools, workplaces and at community levels to ensure that women and girls are aware of their rights and of the avenues for support. She also highlighted that strong emphasis is being placed on the role of men and boys as partners in this process and on promoting respect and shared responsibility within the family.

In her intervention, she said:

"Recognizing that many women stay with their abusers because of financial constraints, women’s economic empowerment is at the center of the Government’s efforts. Training programmes and entrepreneurship opportunities aimed at promoting financial independence are offered to women across the country.

There are also programmes aimed at improving the responsiveness of law enforcement and the judicial system. This is essential in encouraging more victims to report violence and harassment."

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett recognized the Spotlight Initiative for allowing the government to advance prevention strategies, including through improvement of service delivery, data collection and analysis, strengthening multi-sectoral responses and enhancing partnerships with civil society.

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