(Image by Niix Butler)

We - Pandit Deodat Persaud, Nigel Butler, Romario Hastings, Dominic Fernandes and Vidyaratha Kissoon - encourage men to take this pledge as part of our responsibility to end violence against women and girls and other forms of gender-based violence in Guyana. 

Pledge

I pledge to do the following to end violence against women and girls and other forms of gender-based violence in Guyana:

1. I will take care of myself. I will look after my spiritual, mental and physical well-being. I will do medical check ups, and follow guidelines for healthy living. I will talk to others if I am bothered by anything or feel unable to control my anger or frustration or any sense of powerlessness.
2. I will take care of my family and other loved ones. I will check my behaviour, and I will ensure that my behaviour towards them is nurturing. I understand that different kinds of violence exist and that one form we accept in Guyana is beating children as a form of discipline. I will not beat children. I will learn about non-violent parenting and support all efforts to raise children without violence.
3. I will take care of my community, and work with others in my community to ensure my community is safe and healthy for all of us. This care includes care and attention to our natural and physical environment. As a result, I will be accountable to my loved ones and others around me for my behaviour and attitudes.
4. I will check on how my alcohol and drugs use affects my behaviour and my well being. I will support those who are reducing or stopping their use of alcohol and other drugs.
5. I will listen to the survivors of gender-based violence and understand their experiences. I will support their healing journeys.
6. I will hold perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions. I will talk about walking away and letting go, and about respect for everyone including ourselves.
7. I will talk to other people about ending violence against women and girls. I will talk to others about consent in sexual relationships, and about ways of having healthy relationships. I will learn about how to prevent sexual harassment on the street and workplace and ways of communicating with women and girls so that I am not harming them.
8. I will work with others to create a society in which all women, men and others can thrive.