Student leaders and representatives of youth groups from the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean attended a two-day Youth Forum surrounding the theme ‘Youth Ignited Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)’, in Kingston, Jamaica. 

It was the first symposium of its kind, co-hosted by UNFPA and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport in Jamaica, and developed to support the reduction of gender-based violence and promote the leadership of adolescents and young people in the transformation of gender norms and the promotion of positive masculinities.

The Honorable Alando Terrelonge, MP, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport thanked the youth participants for attending and encouraged them to speak out as agents of change.

“I am delighted to see the faces of so many representatives from various youth groups in the Caribbean region, all gathered in the same space to share their perspectives and offer recommendations for treating an issue that so greatly impacts us all as a nation and a region,” he said. He shared that this event is vital to engage young people, and have their voices heard as future leaders and policymakers.

Mrs. Jewel Quallo Rosberg, Officer-In-Charge of the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office of the Caribbean stated that the seriousness of GBV today must be addressed for a better tomorrow. “It is our job to continue to put the work in to help eliminate this scourge on our society,” Quallo said. “This includes getting our young people more involved… educating them, informing them, and also engaging them so they can contribute towards finding the solutions.”

Mrs. Sharon Coburn-Robinson of the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), a division of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, encouraged the youth to take this opportunity to gain and spread awareness surrounding the issue of GBV.

“There are four things that must happen when you leave this room. You must pledge to be a part of change through unrestricted access, strategic alignment, relentless advocacy, and purposeful action.”

Samantha Rampersad, Youth Representative from Trinidad and Tobago added that it is through collaborative efforts, regardless of age and gender, that we can put an end to violence. “We can all acknowledge that this is our collective fight. It is not a ‘me’ thing, and it is not a ‘you’ thing. It is not a woman’s thing, and it is not a man’s thing. We are all here for a common purpose.”

UNFPA works with governments and partners to promote comprehensive sexuality education and youth leadership, which empower young people to exercise autonomy, choice, and participation with regard to their sexual and reproductive health and rights.  

The agency strives to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.