City walk against gender-based violence this Saturday

The Integrated Health Outreach, a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting well-being across all domains, is gearing up to observe International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th.

As part of the celebrations, the organization plans to host a walk through the streets of St. John’s on March 9th. The walk aims to create awareness about the significance of IWD and highlight the challenges women face in our society.

Executive Director Dr. Nicola Bird emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing these challenges and promoting gender equality.

“We don’t function well if everything around us isn’t functioning well. As an organization, we are dedicated to well-being across all platforms, environmental well-being, social well-being, emotional well-being, and vulnerable groups…,” she said

According to Dr. Bird, this weekend’s event will be centered around the theme “Men and Women United—Stop Gender-based Violence.”

While it is being held in honor of International Women’s Day, it is important to note that this event is intended for everyone.

Dr. Bird emphasizes that it is crucial for all members of society to participate in events such as these, as the impact of violence is far-reaching and affects everyone.

Additionally, she highlights the economic impact of gender-based violence, as it can prevent individuals from being able to work.

“If it is happening to someone you know, even a family member, we all need to be invested in the well-being of our nation, and addressing the scourge of gender-based violence is something important.

We tend to think that if something is not happening to us, it must be outside of us, but we are all impacted. It does have an economic impact, it effects their mental health…children will be impacted negatively”, she said.

The first event will take place in Antigua, while the second event will be held in Barbuda on March 16.

If you happen to be in Barbuda, you can participate in a five-kilometer walk that will begin and end at the Botanical Gardens.

Local artists, including Claudette Peters, will perform live. The walk will commence at 3 p.m.