By Kurt Campbell
![The silent walk through the streets of Georgetown in observance of International Women's Day. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Women-2.jpg)
The event was organized by the recently formed Anti – Rape NGO – Citizens Against Rape (CAR) – established by a group of women who decided ‘enough was enough’ on matters of abuse in Guyana with a particular focus on rape.
Other participating organizations were the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Help and Shelter, Women Lawyers Association, Red Thread, the Guyana Human Rights Association, Students and Lecturers from the University of Guyana, the Minister of Education and Former Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand and general citizens among others.
The walk commenced at the Umana Yana and proceeded through several city streets before culminating at the Promenade Gardens where there were several speeches and poems all of which echoed a strong message against rape.
The walk to raise awareness was titled “Rising Against Rape.” CAR emphasised too that the support of men and children is necessary and that it is not a women’s only NGO as rape and abuse occurs across the spectrum.
The group walked in silence with their banners and slogans, as they believe that many victims are silenced and it will portray the concept of rape in Guyana.
Inspiring Change is the 2014 theme for International Women’s Day and encourages advocacy for women’s advancement everywhere in every way. It calls for challenging the status quo for women’s equality and vigilance inspiring positive change.
Each year International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.
