The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

TODAY, the Bureau of Woman’s Affairs is launching an exhibition showcasing Bahamian women who are in leading roles in various organisations.
 The event comes ahead of National Women’s Week, set to begin on November 24 and end on the 29.

The week is expected to focus on two issues: women on the front lines in society and the increased incidence of domestic violence.
As it stands, Crisis Centre representatives report that in 2012 there were 1,000 visits to their facility which were domestic violence related.

And when it comes to women on the front lines of society, they represent 13 per cent in the House of Assembly and 31 per cent in the Senate.
Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin said on Wednesday that those statistics were alarming.

She urged women throughout the country to take part in the week of activities aimed at addressing issues which affect women throughout the country.
She said: “If we follow the media and information in the press, there is definitely a spike (in incidents of domestic violence). With regards to homicides, a large portion of that number are domestic violence situations. We also know from the officials at the Crisis Centre they have seen a spike of around 1,000 visitations.”
The exhibition is being held under the theme “Promoting Women in Leadership in a Developing Bahamas”.

It is a collaboration between the government, two civic organisations – the Zonta Club of New Providence and the Zonta Club of Nassau – and the Bahamas Crisis Centre, along with the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and the National Women’s Advisory council.
Anyone seeking more information on the events can contact the Bureau of Women’s Affairs on 323-7814, 302-1165 or email womenbureau@bahamas.gov.bs
Other activities include the observance if International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and a women’s forum, to be held on November 25 and 30 respectively.