Antigua and Barbuda’s largest public advocacy initiative against gender-based violence officially returned on Wednesday, January 7, with the launch of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Walk 2026 at the Multipurpose Centre.

The annual event, now entering its third year, is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, in observance of International Women’s Day, which falls the following day. Online registration is now open to the public.

The walk is organised by Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) through its IHO Gender-Based Violence Coalition, in partnership with the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA). In 2025, the event drew more than 2,000 participants, with organisers expressing confidence that turnout will increase significantly this year.

Gender-based violence — whether physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological — continues to pose serious and lasting consequences for women and girls, including physical injury, long-term health complications, emotional trauma, and reduced opportunities. Beyond individual harm, organisers emphasise that GBV weakens families and disrupts entire communities.

At the launch, IHO’s Communications Officer urged past participants to actively mobilise their networks, encouraging families, social groups, workplaces, and civil society organisations to join the movement. More than 28 civil society groups participated in the walk last year.

“Never underestimate the power of showing up, of taking part, and of adding your voice to a movement for something as important as this,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of DoGA, a programme officer described gender-based violence as a pervasive social issue that leaves deep scars on victims and erodes community wellbeing. She noted that since its inception in 2024, the walk has evolved into a critical national platform for awareness and advocacy, and stressed the importance of increased participation from men and boys.

Activities tied to the GBV Walk 2026 extend beyond the march itself and include an eight-week national awareness campaign, weekly youth workshops, and a fundraising drive to support the establishment of Antigua and Barbuda’s first dedicated women’s shelter.

Donations toward the shelter project can be made through an IHO-managed GoFundMe campaign, as well as through physical donation boxes placed at locations across the island.

IHO’s Executive Director said the success of the 2024 and 2025 campaigns played a key role in advancing the shelter initiative, including securing a government decision in October to lease five acres of land for the project. The planned shelter will operate as a women-led social enterprise, incorporating a beekeeping farm to generate sustainable income.
She credited strong community participation and collaboration with DoGA for the progress achieved so far.

International data underscores the urgency of the initiative. According to UN Women, the most common form of violence experienced by women globally is physical abuse by an intimate partner. Worldwide, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. In the Caribbean, the rate is even higher, with 46% of women affected by some form of gender-based violence.

Organisers of the GBV Walk 2026 stress that ending gender-based violence requires a collective societal response. This year’s registration process also includes an optional, anonymous survey aimed at gathering public insight into perceptions of violence against women and girls in Antigua and Barbuda — data that will help guide future advocacy and policy efforts.

As preparations continue, IHO and DoGA are renewing their call for residents, organisations, and businesses to stand together in advocating for safety, dignity, and lasting cultural change.