This is a vital human rights imperative that needs our collective and concerted action, she said in a message on the occasion of 16 Days of Activism Campaign against this scourge.

Gender-based violence remains a public health crisis in the Caribbean and advocacy must, therefore, be resolute and sustained, Bernett said.

She recommended actions that could be taken to stop this situation such as making public statements with the color orange, symbol of a better future for women and girls, who will live in a world free of violence one day, she noted.

She also called for organizing a community activity to raise awareness about this scourge and assess how families and families’ area of residence perpetuate traditional gender roles.

The CARICOM leader called for influencing the development of transformative and equitable gender laws and practices.

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