The Womenspeak Project will be hosting a writing workshop for women entitled “Your Story” at @bocaslitfest on 30th April 2017 10am to 1 pm at National Library,… Read more “Lorna Goodison”
Disruption vs. Organisation
On January 6th 2017 several Trinidad and Tobago NGOs gathered at the Hyatt Waterfront Plaza at Parliament headquarters for the “Side by Side We Stand” rally against… Read more “Disruption vs. Organisation”
LoveNotLicks
Who does violence against women affect? Everyone. We invite you, your team, network and community to join us on March 8, International Women’s Day as we discuss… Read more “LoveNotLicks”
Anatomy of a Protest
On Friday 12th February 2016, over 100 women and men gathered at Woodford Square to protest the statements made by the Port of Spain Mayor – Raymond… Read more “Anatomy of a Protest”
Ladies Not So Free
Nightclubs that advertise “ladies free” are actually using women as part of the experience they are selling to (heterosexual) men whom they perceive as their legitimate customers. This is the reason men are expected to pay and “ladies” are admitted “free”. It is neither an act of feminist benevolence nor discrimination against men that club owners have such policies. Such policies aid in heterosexualizing public spaces and reinforcing the notion that ALL women should be sexually available to men.
The Feminisation of HIV refers to the increasing prevalence of HIV among women worldwide and the ways in which gender discrimination – both social and institutional- contribute to women’s increased vulnerability to HIV infection.
In the Caribbean, women make up 53% of the population living with HIV. And young women between the ages of 15-24 have three to six times higher incidence of HIV than young men the same age range.
High rates of violence against women; poverty and economic dependence on men; early sexual initiation, multiple partners and cultural attitudes regarding relationships and sexual behaviour; and inadequate access to reproductive health services, all contribute to the increasing incidence of HIV among Caribbean women.
Another feature of the feminsation of HIV in the Caribbean is the predominance of women’s role in ‘care’ responsibilities for family members and others in the community who have HIV and AIDS.
This short documentary titled “Invisible: Children living with HIV” by Elspeth Duncan, shows the social, financial and psychological challenges that HIV presents not just for HIV infected mothers but for their children as well.
How can understanding the nature and impact of gender inequality in the Caribbean help us address the feminsation of HIV in our region?
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Women Of Antigua is a group of women who use the performing arts and theatre to raise awareness about issues of violence against women. Created in 2008 as a response to the increasing reports of rape in Antigua, the group which comprises 4 women – Linisa George, Thomasine Greenaway, Zahra Airall and Greschen Edwards – donate all the proceeds from their productions to women’s groups in Antigua.
The video is directed and edited by Floree Williams, information compiling was done by Joanne Hillhouse and video production by Jon Whyte.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
What is the big deal about Gender Affairs
On Friday 11th September, 2015 when the new Ministers of Government of Trinidad and Tobago were announced, there was a noticeable absence of the Gender Affairs Ministry.… Read more “What is the big deal about Gender Affairs”
It can be challenging for young Women’s NGOs to find their footing. A great way to avoid some of the pitfalls is to learn from others. The WomenSpeak Project is piloting a workshop that will encourage Women’s NGOs in their nascent years to come together to share experiences and learn key principles around building a solid foundation for accomplishing their work. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested please share this introductory video and drop me a line at womenspeakproject(at)gmail.com.