‘Do not remain quiet and allow violence between men and women to take place and escalate’ |01 July 2016

In a forum held last week organised by the Women in Action and Solidarity Organisation (Waso), chairperson Rosemary Elizabeth touched on social issues which affect all of us and this is violence against women, men, and children and in families at large.

The violence may take place directly in homes, immediate neighbourhood or in our communities. Wherever violence takes place, we are all involved as we are all affected directly or indirectly.

The question she put across is: “If we are affected in one way or the other, isn’t it time we come together and fight against violence so as to put an end to abuse against women, children and even against men?”

“Let us put up the good fight so that love, peace happiness and harmony blossom within our families and communities. The fight should be about putting a stop to men who abuse their wives/partners physically; women are being raped in front of children by their husband/partners; children being abused sexually, physically and emotionally. Men and women are also abusing their children financially, where money they earned is not used properly; hence there isn’t enough at home to allow everyone to have a decent and comfortable living condition,” she said.

She added that there is an urgent need to break the silence where parents and grandparents are being abused both verbally and physically by their children and grandchildren. The victims of such abuse cases end up seeking help at Family Tribunal or neighbours or even end up in hospital.

The question to ask is; how long will it take for younger generations to understand that they owe gratitude to their parents and grandparents and stop abusing them?

“We can make a difference so that our dream of a society free of violence becomes a reality. To achieve this we need to come together to battle against this pandemic disease destroying our society. Remember Jean Ally’s song, I quote, ‘Ansanm nou pou anmize’, meaning together we will enjoy and feast. We can only do this if we combat violence which is spreading and taking over families, schools and community lives. We will enjoy if we break the chain of silence by talking about violence incidents taking place; by reporting violent cases we witness with the authority concerned. We all need to make it our business and be concerned,” she continued.

It is not always easy as people are often frightened of the after effect. Such a way of thinking will stop us from moving forward and achieve the change needed. If you and I do not change our mindset who then will? Waso has adopted a positive attitude and with the support received from the European Union and Cable Wireless it started a Helpline service which victims or others can call and adequate help will be given.

She noted that up to now, Waso’s Helpline service is not being used regularly. For this reason the British high commission has gladly supported the organisation by producing the posters which is being used and will be distributed to ministries, organisations and work institutions. The poster depicts someone at the centre in a distressed situation and around him/her are others which represent the supporting agencies. Encourage those in distressed situations to use the services available (police, social affairs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), churches, judiciary… etc).

She made a special appeal for all agencies; government, civil society, churches and private sectors to work together to combat violence and social issues related to violence. Together we will be stronger and more effective in achieving this common goal.

Seychellois is not a violent nation and we pass on the message of love, harmony and peace through request programmes run by SBC on the occasions of birthdays or for Mother’s/Father’s Day. If in public we can as a nation display such love why is it then that behind closed doors our attitude towards each other is different? We cannot express an attitude of tolerance towards each other.

She also thanked the British high commissioner, Cable and Wireless, EU, Waso members and Ceps for their continued and future support.

R.H.