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Intimate partner violence continues to rob families of mothers, daughters and sisters, leaving grief that echoes across communities in Guyana, First Lady Arya Ali said on Sunday. She made the remarks during an International Women’s Day walk in Georgetown to honour women who lost their lives to domestic violence.
The walk started at the Bank of Guyana and moved to the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, bringing together government officials, activists and members of the public to reflect on the lives of women and girls who died as a result of gender-based violence.
During the event, Ali said that while International Women’s Day is meant to celebrate women’s achievements, it must also confront the painful realities many women still face. “Intimate partner violence, for instance, continues to rob families of mothers, daughters and sisters, leaving grief that reverberates across our communities and our nation.”
She pointed to recent tragic cases involving teenage mothers in Guyana as stark reminders of the dangers young girls continue to face. “The tragic death of 14-year-old Aleena Preetam, a teenage mother who passed away shortly after giving birth, and 15-year-old Tiana Chapman, another teenage mother who was stabbed 25 times, underscore the difficult circumstances that little girls, not women, continue to endure at the hands of violent men,” she said.
Ali urged Guyanese to use moments like the walk not only to celebrate progress but also to reflect on their collective responsibility to protect women and girls. “As much as we are here to celebrate the successes we have made over the years, it is important for us to use this moment to reflect, individually and collectively, on our role in helping to make our society a safer and better one for all women.”
She also stressed that addressing domestic violence requires the involvement of the entire society, including men who support the fight against abuse. “Once we continue to raise our voices as we are doing today, and with brothers like those of you who are here today who understand our place and have chosen to join our fight, we will be able to dismantle those structures and break the toxic culture that undermines the dignity of our women and girls.”
Participants later took part in a symbolic tribute, pinning the names of women who lost their lives to domestic violence, ensuring that their stories remain remembered as the country continues efforts to confront gender-based violence.
First Lady Arya Ali embraces a child during the march
