U.S. Embassy Host Candlelight Vigil to Observe 16 Days of Activism
On Wednesday evening, in observance of the sixteen days of activism against gender-based violence, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan presided over a candlelight vigil to honor survivors of abuse and advocate for the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence. In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps and Belizeans representing government, civil society and academia. News Five’s Duane Moody was there and begins his report with a testimonial at the vigil.
Kelsie Franklin
Kelsie Franklin, Gender-based Violence Survivor
“I’m really just getting the gist of what this event is about. Coming from somebody that has been abused more than once, I stayed silent about it for a very long time and I didn’t tell anyone because I thought that it was my fault. I thought that I had brought it upon myself. Me, as a woman, I should have known better, I was naive and I only really just came to the truth that it wasn’t my fault, that I didn’t bring it upon myself and to talk about it and to go to therapy about it two years ago. I am twenty-six now; this happened to me when I was sixteen. It took me ten years – ten years to acknowledge my abuse, to acknowledge what had happened to me, but also to acknowledge that what happened to me doesn’t define me. It doesn’t make me who I am. Yes it happened, but hats not a part of my story.”
Duane Moody, Reporting
….a moving testimonial from a survivor of gender-based violence – about the mental health struggles associated with this issue being referred to as a shadow pandemic – it resounded among those in attendance on the steps of Independence Plaza in Belmopan. Gender-based violence is an abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In hosting a candlelight vigil, the U.S. Government says that it stands with Belize in the fight to protect communities and the need for immediate and concrete actions to counter gender-based violence.
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan, U.S. Ambassador to Belize
“Every year the world gathers at this time to highlight the issue of violence against girls and women and all those with the courage to express their gender identity. Yet violence continues. Today, more women hold positions of authority across governments and the private sector than ever before, presenting inspirational role models to new generations. Yet there are still too few. We need immediate and concrete action to increase awareness of violence and other issues marginalising women. We need sustained advocacy efforts and innovative solutions to end all forms of gender-based violence once and for all.”
Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam was among the key speakers at the event. In her remarks, the GG says that the topic of family and gender-based violence is a complex and diverse subject.
Dame Froyla Tzalam
Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General of Belize
“Violence is a public safety issue and it affects our social and economic development. While there is huge debate on whether violence can ever be eliminated or whether it is caused by nature or nurture, experts believe that the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, essentially the way children are socialised plays a much greater role. This shows us clearly it is imperative that we continue to challenge the negative gender stereotypes that we all grew up with and now recognise as being harmful to boys and girls.”
Aside from the lit candles, a moment of silence was also observed for those who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. Duane Moody for News Five.
