Human Services ministry hosts DefendHER, Younited events

-as part of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

As part of the calendar of activities for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Ministry of Human Services will today be hosting two events.

The ministry said in a statement that the day will start with ‘DefendHER!’, a free seminar which teaches a series of self-defence techniques to women above 16 years through the MAXIDO adult selfdefence training system

It will begin at 13.00 hours at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary.

The ministry noted that techniques that will be taught at the three-hour activity would be tailored to suit everyday situations that women in Guyana face and will seek to equip them with the necessary skills to protect themselves.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said, “This initiative is new and focuses on self-defence techniques, specifically with women. It is done in collaboration with MAXIDO’s self-defence training and we are encouraging women 16 years and older to come over on Sunday and go through a series of techniques that will help you in defending yourself. It is a fact that many women encounter situations such as robberies and violent crimes and these techniques will help you to resist in a highly skilled manner that could perhaps be life-saving.”

Persons desirous of coming out must be dressed in active wear and are encouraged to sign up at https://forms.gle/ W3ydKxu5v3NbWGS37

Immediately after, at 16.00 hours, the ‘Younited’ fair and concert would be held at the avenue at Camp and Lamaha streets, which has been dubbed ‘Orange Avenue.’

The ministry said the event would feature several booths from Safe Space, Equal Guyana, Herventure, Women of WIIN and much more. There will also be a series of games with prizes to be won and a concert showcasing the talent of the Ministry’s Young Influencers. Admission is also free.

To date, the ministry noted that it has completed sensitisation exercises in regions Four, Five and Six, hosted consultations on Guyana’s Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women Report, a massive ‘Talk Yuh Mind’ rally as well as campaigns on elderly abuse, sexual violence and bullying and body shaming in schools.