Women’s Groups Hold Roundtable Discussion
In recognition of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and the launch of the 16 Days of Activism, a coalition of women from diverse agencies across Bermuda convened for a roundtable focus group on Monday, November 25th.
A Government spokesperson said, “The groundbreaking session, held under the leadership of the Hon. Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, brought together representatives from the Bermuda Police Service, the Women’s Resource Centre, Gender Affairs Council, the Centre Against Abuse, Child and Family Services, Government Senators, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Kim Wilkerson, and One Love Foundation.”
“This collaborative initiative tackled pressing issues surrounding domestic violence and support for abused women and children. Topics discussed included:
- Violence against women and children and the need for robust intervention and support mechanisms.
- The introduction of a domestic abuse court to ensure justice and tailored responses for survivors.
- Addressing gender-based violence, workplace bullying, and harassment through policy reform and awareness campaigns.
- The long-term impact of trauma and the importance of building a trauma-informed response system.
- Appropriate training for law enforcement officers to enhance their ability to support victims compassionately and effectively.
- The importance of changing the messenger and expanding the narrative to involve more voices in identifying and addressing abuse. Inclusion of male voices/male allies.
- Public training initiatives aimed at empowering individuals to recognize signs of abuse and provide meaningful support to survivors.
Minister Tinee Furbert emphasized the collective responsibility to end violence, stating, “This is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal issue that demands urgent action from every sector. The dedication and expertise brought to this roundtable by such a diverse group of leaders is an encouraging step toward meaningful change.”
The Government spokesperson said, “The focus group represents Bermuda’s commitment to aligning with global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, building a future where every individual has the right to safety, dignity, and equality. The outcomes of this discussion will inform future policies and programs designed to address domestic violence and gender-based abuse in Bermuda, ensuring that survivors receive the justice, support, and empowerment they need to rebuild their lives.
About the 16 Days of Activism
“The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that runs from November 25, the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. It calls on individuals and communities to stand in solidarity against all forms of violence and promote a culture of equality and respect.”
