Reflection, Renewal as New Spotlight Initiative Phase Begins

On September 29, the Spotlight Initiative hosted a networking event to bring together key stakeholders to cement progress toward ending family violence and ensure national programme sustainability. The event was held on the roof terrace of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), corner Keate and Pembroke Streets, Port of Spain.

Approximately 130 Spotlight Initiative stakeholders attended the event, including representatives from the United Nations, the European Union's Delegation, central and local government, state agencies, civil society and the women's movement, the private sector, and prospective new partners, including international development partners such as the British High Commission and embassies of the United States, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Argentina.

The evening's entertainment included live performances by Spotlight partners - the Heroes Foundation and the Quays Foundation- civil society organisations that have been instrumental in building linkages towards the advancement of the Spotlight Initiative’s goals and objectives. The exceptional performances by these organisations highlighted the importance of engaging men and boys to become more visible as integral partners in tackling sexual/gender-based violence and gender inequality in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister -Gender and Child Affairs, and Ambassador Peter Cavendish of the European Union Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago both delivered compelling remarks about the Spotlight Initiative in Trinidad and Tobago and complimented the programme team on its stellar work.

The highlight of the evening was the feature address by Spotlight National Champion, Mrs. Sharon-Clarke Rowley. Her riveting speech touched on the human side of family violence.

“There is no doubt that it will take a whole-of-society approach to attack this problem. Our government, our health and social services, our police, our justice system, our international partners, civil society, and our men, must all work hand in hand, if we are to achieve zero gender-based violence," Mrs. Clarke-Rowley remarked.

The Spotlight Initiative’s stakeholder event was considered a success by attendees as there was an exchange of constructive ideas among those directly involved in averting family violence in Trinidad and Tobago. Key stakeholders were reinvigorated to continue to learn from each other, and to recommit to the elimination of violence against women and girls. The Spotlight Initiative-Trinidad and Tobago will continue to support positive efforts to end violence against women and girls. The programme team will prioritise collaboration with key stakeholders to address the needs of women and girls by designing and implementing initiatives that ensure that all voices are fully represented to strengthen gender equality and advance women’s empowerment in Trinidad and Tobago.