UNICEF pledges continued support for girls in the Eastern Caribbean

The prevalence of violence against women and girls and the impact of teenage pregnancy on access to education for girls remain key focus areas for UNICEF in the Eastern Caribbean.

These were among the main issues raised during a special event at the United Nations House Barbados to observe International Day of the Girl Child under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future.”

Cultural Ambassador Dr. The Most Honourable Stedson 'Red Plastic Bag' Wiltshire launched a jingle dedicated to the promotion of girls’ rights in the Caribbean written and composed with fellow cultural practitioner Andy ‘Mr. Blood’ Armstrong entitled ‘The Time Is Now’.

Student leaders Destinee Bruce and Leonardo Hackim delivered remarks, followed by several special performances and a student-led panel discussion examining the issues facing girls in the Eastern Caribbean.

UNICEF Social and Behavior Change Specialist Dr. Lisa McClean-Trotman explained that despite the emergence of female leaders in areas of society that were once male-dominated, there were “unfinished issues” to be addressed.

“For example, child sexual abuse,” underscored Dr McClean-Trotman. In our region, two out of three girls have been victims. Our research also shows that girls are disproportionately affected than boys. I’m not saying that boys are not victims, but the bottom line is that girls are more disproportionately impacted, and so that is an issue that we have to raise and that we have to continue to address,” she added.

The UNICEF official, citing a recent focus group in Trinidad and Tobago, added that young girls continue to face cat-calling and other sexual advances from grown men.

“Another issue is that of teen mothers. Many times, perhaps not so much in Barbados, but in other [Eastern Caribbean] countries, when a girl gets pregnant, she has great difficulty sometimes getting back into school or continuing her education,” said Dr McCLean-Trotman.

“The issue is not the same for a boy who may get a young girl pregnant. So there are some gender disparities that continue to exist,” she added.

Observed annually on 11th October, International Day of the Girl advocates for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. While recognising that progress is being made in gender equality, girls still face stark challenges globally in a wide range of areas, including health, nutrition, education and skills, gender-based violence and child marriage, and equal opportunities.