Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud says her Ministry has embarked on a US$4.5M initiative with the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to tackle violence against women and girls.
In her address during the ongoing Budget debates, the Minister said it is one of several innovative new programmes the Ministry will be undertaking to better serve the most vulnerable people in society.
“Before the end of this quarter, a Survivor Advocacy Programme will be rolled out in regions across this country where women will have the support that they need from the moment of reporting [abuse] to the conclusion of their cases. People will be trained to offer that technical support, and this is dealing directly with a serious issue that has escalated because of COVID-19,” Minister Persaud said. The initiative will be launched by next month.
The Minister also lauded the steps taken to provide support to frontline workers as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“$22M [is]designated to essential workers, to provide childcare services, and I feel this is necessary because we have a lot of working people, women and men who have to leave their children unattended. This will be offered to both public and private sectors for children below the age of seven years,” Minister Persaud stated
