THE VOICE ST. LUCIA

Article by: Stan Bishop

(Photo) Taj Weekes joins women in their stance against gender-based violence last Tuesday.

There were more tee shirts with messages against domestic violence than there were people willing to show solidarity for the cause. But organizers say last Tuesday’s activity at the Derek Walcott Square is nonetheless a serious one.

The activity was the culmination of a programme of activities in observance of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8. Dubbed the “Clothesline Project,” the focus was to sensitize the general public about gender-based violence, especially in cases where women and girls are the primary targets. St. Lucia-born international musician Taj Weekes, one of the collaborators on the project, spoke to The VOICE on the new concept.

“In the Caribbean, domestic violence is the sort of thing that is hidden under the table,” Weekes said. “So this is merely a way of starting a conversation in an effort to bring it out in the open. Hopefully, we can keep talking about it and move toward a direction where it’s an open thing and people are not afraid to say they’re being abused.”

Weekes said he adopted the idea for the initiative from the U.S. where he currently resides. In fact, he has his own “Traveling Exhibition,” and has showcased it in two arenas so far – Massachusetts and St. Lucia. He said the idea is a staple in most of the American states.

Members of the public had the opportunity to paint whatever anti-violence messages they wanted on the tee shirts supplied by Weekes and the Department of Gender Relations. The tee shirts were then hung to dry on clotheslines in the Square, depicting the obvious symbolism of not letting some of society’s dirtiest little secrets go unnoticed.

Weekes said the tee shirts from both camps will be on display again in November when Domestic Abuse Month will be observed. In the interim, though, he will be displaying – and building up – his collection of tee shirts in several islands across the region to raise awareness on the scourge of domestic violence and its negative impact on society.

Louise Victor, general secretary of the National Youth Council, was one of the many speakers at Tuesday’s public rally. She believes the activity is just one small step that can lead to eradicating a giant common problem.

Other speakers on the day included Anthony Avril of the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Valerie Albert-Poyotte of Education International, Charms Gaspard of the Department of Gender Relations, Minister of Home Affairs and National Security, Guy Mayers, and Taj Weekes. Calypsonian Lady Leen closed the proceedings with a rendition of her “woman power” anthem, “Woman In A March.”