Over 2,000 Participate in Antigua & Barbuda’s International Women’s Day 2025 Walk Against Gender-Based Violence

The 2025 International Women’s Day in Antigua and Barbuda witnessed a powerful demonstration against gender-based violence (GBV), with over 2,000 participants joining the “Men and Women United 2025: Stop Gender-Based Violence 5k Walk” in St. John’s, Antigua. This marked a significant increase in participation from the previous year, highlighting the growing awareness and concern surrounding GBV in the Caribbean. The walk, organized by Integrated Health Outreach Inc. (IHO) through its GBV arm, the Integrated Health Outreach Gender-Based Violence Coalition (IHO-GBV), in collaboration with the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), served as a platform to advocate for an end to this pervasive issue, which significantly impacts women and girls and hinders sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Participants from diverse backgrounds and age groups, including men, women, and even children, united to express their solidarity and call for change. Their reasons for participating were poignant and reflected a shared understanding of the urgency of the issue. Some expressed their personal commitment to combating violence, while others emphasized the importance of showing support for victims and survivors. Many participants highlighted the alarming prevalence of rape and other forms of violence against women and girls in Antigua, underscoring the need for collective action and societal transformation. The walk provided a space for individuals to voice their concerns, share their stories, and contribute to a collective movement for change.

Recent surveys conducted in several CARICOM Member States, including Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, reveal the stark reality of GBV in the region. A collaborative effort between governments and international agencies, including UN Women, these surveys revealed that a staggering 46% of women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This data reinforces the critical need for interventions and initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing GBV in the Caribbean. The organizers of the Antigua walk emphasized that GBV must be recognized not only as a violation of human rights but also as a public health crisis and a significant obstacle to sustainable development. They highlighted the deep-rooted societal norms and perceptions about gender roles and values that contribute to and perpetuate this violence.

The walk received substantial support from local businesses and organizations, demonstrating the community’s commitment to addressing GBV. Sponsors such as Chestertons Antigua, Island Living Investment Services (ILIS), Moongate Hotel & Spa, Flow, the Ahkimo Group, Caribbean Alliance Insurance, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Island Campus, and several others contributed to the event’s success. Representatives from sponsoring companies expressed their belief in equality and respect, both within the workplace and in the wider community. They emphasized the importance of adopting a zero-tolerance approach to GBV and highlighted their participation in the walk as a demonstration of their commitment to this cause. The collective support from these organizations signifies a growing recognition of the importance of addressing GBV as a shared responsibility.

The “Men and Women United 2025” initiative, supported by the Equality Fund and Global Affairs Canada, extends beyond the walk in Antigua. The organizers are planning a similar event in Codrington, Barbuda, to further raise awareness and engage communities across the islands. IHO and DoGA are also working towards establishing a shelter for women experiencing violence, a critical resource for providing safety and support to survivors. The walk served as a platform to advocate for this much-needed facility and to highlight the importance of comprehensive services for victims of GBV.

In addition to raising awareness, the walk is also linked to a GBV survey being conducted by IHO in partnership with DoGA. This survey will provide valuable data on the prevalence, forms, and impact of GBV in Antigua and Barbuda, informing future interventions and policy development. By combining awareness-raising initiatives with data collection and analysis, IHO and DoGA are working towards a comprehensive approach to addressing GBV and creating a safer and more equitable society for women and girls. The walk, the planned shelter, and the ongoing survey reflect a multi-pronged strategy to combat GBV and promote lasting change.