Working Together to Combat Violence in Guyana

Violence against women is endemic around the world, with one in three experiencing physical or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime.

In this context, it is more important than ever for men and women to work together to change the structural conditions that cause different types of violence.

In Guyana, a project supported by the European Union has attempted just that. IMPACT PLUS, a collaboration between HIAS and local partners Project New Nation and Youth with Purpose, was designed to work with women to provide them with tools to improve self-confidence and autonomy, and with men to change their preconceived ideas about violence in relationships.

An entrepreneurship school for women, confidence building workshops for women, and sessions for men where they learn about the negative consequences of exercising violence in their personal relationships are among the program activities targeting both Guyanese people and migrants.

We spoke to four men and women from across Guyana to ask them how the program has impacted their lives so far.

Sandra*, 53-years-old, Crane, Guyana.

I didn’t know what self-esteem, identity and self-worth were before, but when we were told about it, I realized I was in a bad situation — I didn’t see my own self-worth or think well of myself.

By the third session, I had dyed my long, beautiful hair and was wearing my pretty dresses that I had put on and also my pretty shoes. I love mirror therapy, when the facilitator asks us to look in the mirror and say what we were seeing. I said I saw an old woman with long hair, but now I see a beautiful woman, and she tells us to look in the mirror first thing in the morning and tell each other how beautiful we are.

All of us loved the training and look forward to more. I am a different woman. I realized that many negative things from my family environment were still operating in my life, and I am working every day to get rid of them.

Julio*, Crane, Guyana.

When I received the invitation for the men’s group activity, I immediately agreed. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

We didn’t know that violence was not only physical and that many times we hurt and endangered our wives and daughters with egocentric acts. I thank HIAS for making these activities possible. It has definitely changed my life for the better – I cried, I laughed, I felt like I was born again, because now I understand that we are the ones who must change.

It also allows us to recognize that a man can cry, have feelings and take care of himself without feeling guilty.

I am happy now, because I enjoy my family, I enjoy seeing them laugh, I enjoy talking to another man when I know they are not treating women with equality and empathy. [These activities] make us unite as human beings who enjoy the same rights and not as men and women with imposed roles.

Angie*, 33-years old, Bartica, Guyana.

I came to Guyana in 2017 for a better future for my family. The road has not been easy, but I am very grateful to God for what I have.

One day I went to the HIAS facilities in Bartica after a friend invited me to participate in a support group for women that was going to take place. I was able to meet other women with similar experiences. We had a space to release our stress and worries that we have to deal with day to day.

During the activity about violence where we evaluated ourselves with the violenceometer, I reflected on all the levels of violence that I had faced, and I had not even realized. Participating in these groups with HIAS helped me to establish new friendships, learn and share different opinions.

Daniel*, 29 years-old, Bartica, Guyana.

I participated in a men’s group activity. In the beginning, I didn’t want to go, but I ended up liking it very much. This type of space influenced me in a positive way because I understand that I must love, care for, and protect the women around me.

I was surprised that violence comes in different forms, and I did not know that there were so many ways to exercise violence. Sometimes, when my wife did something that I did not like, I tended to react and raise my voice. Now I try to communicate better, be different than before, and take care of the tone of voice I use.

Another activity that impacted me was where we meditated and consciously identified and thanked each part of our body., I had never given thanks for my body before. I really liked that space, and it impacted me in a positive way.

The IMPACT PLUS program in Guyana, supported by the European Union and implemented by HIAS, Project New Nation, and Youth with Purpose, will run until March 2026 and will support women, men, and young people from displaced and local communities to combat violence against women and girls.