IHO continues the Call for A Safe Shelter with Barbuda GBV Prevention Walk

The atmosphere at the IHO-GBV Walk in Barbuda was one of deep reflection and resolve as participants grappled with the tragic loss that had shaken the nation that very morning.

The event, held under the theme “Men and Women United 2025: Stop Gender-Based Violence,” was not only a commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 but also a poignant call to action for greater protections for women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

Project Manager, Britney McDonald addressed the gathering, emphasizing the heightened risks faced by women and girls. “Women and girls are at an increased risk of violence from all angles. As a community, we must come together and be vigilant. We cannot ignore the urgent need for a safe shelter for women, girls, and persons from vulnerable communities.”

The IHO-GBV Walk in Barbuda was more than just a march; it was a declaration of resilience and an urgent plea for tangible change. The momentum generated from this event will fuel continued advocacy, ensuring improved protections and support for women and girls.

The need for such a shelter in Antigua and Barbuda was made even more pressing by the outpouring of support from the local community. Members of the Barbudan Council and local residents joined the walk as it moved through the streets, chanting, “No More Gender-Based Violence.”

The solidarity was palpable as onlookers—many of whom had personal connections to the cause—shared their stories and reinforced the urgent call for protective spaces and resources for survivors.

Organizers from the Integrated Health Outreach Gender-Based Violence Coalition (IHO-GBV), in partnership with the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), share immense gratitude to the participants and volunteers in championing this year’s walk.

McDonald noted that, “We understand that climate change is increasingly impacting our day to day lives, and we’re witnessing it unfold across several areas. Our communities are rallying together because of the ripple effects which have led to instances of gender based violence, which includes mental, emotional and financial violence. The overwhelming show of support demonstrates the need to continue the conversation in order to shift the culture forward.”

Over 2,000 people participated across Antigua and Barbuda, making this year’s event the largest turnout in the event’s two-year history. Many participants carried signs bearing the image of the nation’s most recent victim of violence, further reinforcing the gravity of the issue.

Several reflected on their own childhoods, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding future generations and fostering safer communities.

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Chestertons Antigua, Island Living Investment Services (ILIS), Moongate Hotel & Spa, Flow, the Ahkimo Group, Caribbean Alliance Insurance, Paparazzi Pizza, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus (FIC), the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), Sagicor, Twist Wholesale, Beyond Limits Fitness, Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy, First Choice Supermarket, and The Source Clothing Store.

The Men & Women United 2025: Stop Gender-Based Violence Walk is a project spearheaded by IHO in partnership with DoGA and supported by the Equality Fund and Global Affairs Canada. Britney McDonald, Project Manager, underscored the critical role of partners in making the event a success.

“Without the support of DoGA, Equality Fund, and our local sponsors, this event would not have been possible. We are witnessing a real commitment from the business community to prevent gender-based violence, both in our communities and within workplaces. We will host a third edition of the walk because gender based violence is an ongoing issue. We encourage any institution willing to support this cause to reach out.”

With the walk completed, IHO is now turning its attention to strengthening data collection on gender-based violence to inform decision-making and policy development. Additionally, IHO and DoGA have confirmed that efforts are underway to establish a dedicated shelter for women facing violence—a long-overdue initiative that will provide survivors with a safe haven and essential support services.