Dragonfly Centre: UWI STUDENTS GATHER OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT

Mission

Non-Profit, 501(c)(3)

Mission: The Dragonfly Centre is committed to the elimination of domestic violence against women and their children by providing victim friendly services that promotes the empowerment of survivors; through advocacy, public awareness and education and community based initiatives.

Vision: The Dragonfly Centre envisions a world free of violence against women and their children and social justice for all. We are founded on the vision and belief that every person has the right to live in a safe environment free from violence and the fear of violence and strive to work collaboratively with the community to provide victim friendly services to support domestic violence victims, survivors to the stage of thriving.

Now on Facebook:

Friday, June 15, 2012

UWI STUDENTS GATHER OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Carol Jaggernauth; (P) 476-6622 (email) caroljaggernauth@gmail.com , Warren Chanansingh (P) 730-4906, (email) warren.chanansingh@hotmail.com; Gabrielle Hosein (P) 689-9471, (email) gabrielle.hosein@sta.uwi.edu

UWI STUDENTS GATHER OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT

TO SHOW SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL GENDER POLICY

Port of Spain, Trinidad

On Friday, 15 June 2012 at 1:30 p.m., students from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus will gather outside Parliament to show their support for the finalization of a National Gender Policy and approval by Cabinet in the coming month.

Through a series of popular theatre methods, students will demonstrate why and how approving the National Gender Policy will support issues that concern all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago including farmers, workers of all kind, men, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The action will be enacted by a small group that represent a larger body of students at UWI, St. Augustine.

“We welcome the solidarity and support of all those who think it’s time that government budgets, programmes and agendas on gender issues ranging from agriculture to violence be guided by overall holistic policy built on human rights approach,” said Ms. Carol Jaggernauth, a student at UWI leading the action at Parliament.

Members of the public planning to join the gathering are asked to wear a white T-shirt and to be present at Parliament by 12:30 p.m. on Friday, 15 June 2012. The action will end at 1:30 p.m. All media houses are welcome to provide coverage as well.

More information about the gathering and the National Gender Policy is available online at the Facebook Page: "Support for the National Gender Policy “via https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/422017551164445/

The National Policy on Gender and Development provides a framework for including

gender perspectives in all activities of government and civil society, thereby promoting

the full and equal participation of men and women in the development process.

Cabinet’s approval of the National Gender Policy would promote equal employment opportunities for men and women in the public and private sectors, as well as monitor salaries, hiring, promotion, conditions of work, and be an important tool for Trinidad and Tobago’s economic and social development.

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A Little Background…..

In 2007 I was introduced to the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a beautiful tropical country located in the southern most part of the Caribbean archipelago. However, the opportunity to travel to this part of the world would not present itself until March of 2009. It was an incredible experience to be able to visit a country where I had never been before and I literally knew no-one. I had the privilege to experience a new culture and meet many wonderful people who made my trip an amazing experience. Although the purpose of my visit was recreational, something happened that changed all of that. One evening while on a hike with my tour guide and one of the locals at The ASA Wright Nature Centre, one of the men asked me where I was from and what I did for a living. It was at that moment that I disclosed that I was a Domestic Violence Advocate. He paused, looked at me and replied,… “we need you here”. At that moment I did not fully understand what he meant or how I could help.

A few days after this I visited one of the local court houses to learn about how someone could obtain a protection order. What I discovered disturbed me greatly, to say the least. The process by which abused individuals could obtain legal protections left much to be desired. This sparked grave concern for victims coupled with a desire to learn more about the local system and services. After I finished my travels all I could think about was the need of the people in Trinidad and Tobago. It was shortly after my return to the United States that the Dragonfly Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Transformation began to take form. While completing my Bachelors degree at Evergreen College, I developed an Individual Learning Contract entitled “Domestic Violence in Trinidad and Tobago” and was awarded The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This allowed me to return to Trinidad and Tobago for my final quarter at the end of December of 2009 for my nine week study. My focus was on services addressing domestic violence. What I came away with was the echoing cries for help by the people who freely shared their personal views and stories. Although I wasn’t quite sure what, I knew I had to do something. As a consequence, it was these cries that gave birth to and helped shape the Dragonfly Centre to be what it is, a multifaceted institution with a focus on public education, shaping public policy and providing direct victim friendly services to support families dealing with domestic violence.