RC Trebucq’s Remarks at the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative Transition Event: Inspiration 4 Action

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

•    Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary General (ASG) of CARICOM 

•    Representative From the OECS Commission – Ms. Lisa Sargusingh-Terrance 

•    Dr. Florian Lütticken- Team Leader / Counsellor – EU-Caribbean Partnership for Governance, Security and Human Development

•    Heads of Agencies 

•    Invited Government Officials

•    CSO Representatives

•    Representatives From the Media

•    Ladies And Gentlemen, 

Thrilled. Almost a pre-Christmas eve!

Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to recognize the collective power of collaboration in tackling a critical issue in our region: family violence and violence against women and girls (VAWG). This "Spotlight Initiative Transition Event: Inspiration 4 Action" is a testament to the incredible journey we've shared under the Spotlight Initiative Caribbean Regional Programme. It is also a springboard for all the vital work that remains to be done.

Let me offer my heartfelt congratulations to every one of you, our dedicated Partners for working jointly in the implementation of the Programme. Our Spotlight Team members from the 4 implementing Agencies (UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF) and the PMU staff. Without your commitment and expertise, none of the achievements we celebrate today would be possible.

In September 2017, The European Union and the United Nations embarked on a bold partnership, the Spotlight Initiative, with a singular aim: to eliminate VAWG and ignite the flame of gender equality across the globe. In the Caribbean, we focused our lens on family violence, with initiatives spanning six countries (Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago) and one Regional Spotlight Initiative program serving 22 territories. 



During this three-year journey, by prioritizing women and girls, we've inadvertently created a domino effect of positive change. Stronger institutions, better data, effective prevention programs benefit everyone, including men and boys, who are also victims of harmful gender norms and stereotypes. And finally, we leave CSOs better equipped to continue the battle and reach out the most vulnerable.

As UN Resident Coordinator, it has been a privilege to provide strategic leadership and oversight, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the agencies and partners whose commitment to and strong support in ending family violence shines: 



•    I extend my deepest gratitude to CARICOM, and my co-chair of the Regional SI Steering Committee Armstrong Alexis, for his steadfast leadership and guidance.

•    European Union: Thank you for your generous support and your true partnership throughout the various SC and the various activities you contributed to

•    To all Member States for your commitment to implementing transformative policies and programs laid the groundwork for lasting change.

•    Civil Society Partners: The voices, knowledge, and advocacy of Women's Rights Organizations and the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CS RRG) have been a guide, ensuring we stayed true to the needs of those we serve.

•    UN Colleagues: My fellow UN colleagues at UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF, thank you for your tireless collaboration and shared purpose.



We appreciate all your efforts, and today we celebrate you all!



Together with our partners, we've achieved much. Let me name a few. We have;



•    Elevated the issue of GBV across the region, paving the way for multi-sectoral approaches and greater understanding.

•    Institutionalized work on GBV and gender equality, equipping regional institution and nations with strategies and capacities.

•    Empowered 30+ CSOs, forming the formed Caribbean Gender Alliance, connecting them in a regional network to amplify their impact.

•    Produced invaluable knowledge products, including studies on economic costs, gender stereotyping, and child marriage.

•    Developed practical tools and resources, including a Gender Responsive Budgeting Manual and a Social and Behaviour Change Communication strategy.

•    Enhanced regional expertise, building capabilities in data analysis, disability inclusion, and comprehensive sexuality education.

These achievements are bold and not simply statistics. They are stories of lives transformed, families healed, and communities empowered. We've created an enabling environment, set standards, and planted the seeds for a future free from family violence and VAWG by 2030. 

However, our journey doesn't end with the Spotlight Initiative's official conclusion. The momentum continues, fuelled by the accomplishments and lessons learned we shared at the recent Knowledge Fair in Barbados.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners. Let us continue to walk this path together to keep the spotlight shining, until every woman and girl in the Caribbean enjoys their fundamental right to live free from violence.

Thank you.