- workshop on gender-based violence told

Linden barbers and salon operators have expressed the view that traditional norms can play a role in today’s society towards reducing sexually transmitted diseases and sexual violence.

During a gender-based violence workshop last Wednesday attended by around 25 barbers, stylists and salon operators at the Region 10 Business Centre, Macken-zie, one stylist shared the view that a return to traditional norms can contribute to better relationships.

The workshop was sponsored by the Guyana Respon-sible Parenthood Association and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Blacker Exclusive Barber Shop hairstylist Yonnette Johnson believes that certain traditional norms can reduce HIV/AIDS, if men and women should adhere to them.

For example, Johnson related that in times past females were encouraged to wait until they attained the age of 18 before they became involved in an intimate relationship. Twelve and thirteen year-olds, she explained, are having sex now but at that age they do not know “what is going on out there.” She highlighted that teens are not always armed with the knowledge of using a condom during sexual intercourse, and unlike in times past when it was syphilis or herpes or other STIs, there is now the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

Johnson noted also that teens are also exposed to sexual violence, because of their need to be in the fashion.

Her colleague Ron Wilson, a professional barber for 19 years, in his first workshop of this nature, explained that there are also shifts in traditional norms. For example, he explained that teenage boys are now getting involved in sexual undertakings and boast to their peers, but in the past more teens became involved in sex due to peer pressure. Wilson felt that the workshop was “good” and “inspirational”.

The participants learnt that gender-based violence can be caused by low academic achievement, gender norms which support male superiority, the witnessing of violence as a child, a previous history of abuse and the media, for example movies featuring violence.

And they were also able to identify sexual violence through a question and answer segment, where it was underscored that ‘no’ means ‘no’, even if the person had initially agreed to engage in a sexual act but had changed their mind subsequently.

It was also highlighted that when men and women do not conform to roles identified by society this results in gender-based violence as well. 

The participants identified the gender roles of women in a group session as shopping, washing, decorating the house, taking care of the children, in addition to being faithful and ensuring that children do their homework and identified sex as a major function in maintaining a healthy relationship.

While men’s gender roles were stated as being the family’s foundation, the visionary, breadwinner, creator of rules for themselves and the family, it was noted that sex does not begin in bed but from the moment the man awakes, therefore he should treat his partner lovingly.

Apart from the roles it was stated by the participants that men should not hit or  curse and they should earn through honest means and not rule by being dictators.

Similarly women, it was noted, should honour the decisions of the male and not be abusive to the man or the children or have relationships outside of the home.

Workshop facilitator and UNFPA Gender Coordinator attached to the GRPA, Daren Torrington, called the workshop quite participatory in nature and noted that he was impressed with the responses given, based on aids like the films on sexual violence, domestic violence and a cartoon on gender roles.

The participants, he said, were able to relate to the scenarios, which they felt showed everyday reality. Torrington also observed that of concern to the attendees were issues such as  where they can report abuse and he pointed out that Help and Shelter in the city or  Linden Care in Mackenzie were good places to contact.

A similar workshop was held in the city in August and these workshops will continue until December. Posters and condoms were shared to all of the participants.