U.S. Embassy Collaborates with SOS Femmes on Gender-Based Violence Program

December 10, 2009

Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Barrie Walkley gives welcoming remarks.

In the context of the “16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women”, held between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women celebrated on November 25,  and the International Human Rights Day on December 10, the U.S. Embassy collaborated with SOS Femmes, a shelter for battered women, on a talk at the Social Community Center of Sainte Croix (Port Louis suburb), on Thursday, December 10.  Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Barrie Walkley was invited to give remarks. 

In his address, in French, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Walkley emphasized that violence committed against women because of their sex is a fundamental violation of human rights.   He said that gender-violence was a worldwide problem and ending the violence requires not only that prosecutions of perpetrators be increased but also that each and everyone works towards women’s complete equality in every sphere of life.

He also praised SOS Femmes for their hard work and their dedication.  Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Walkley concluded his remarks with the popular Creole expression “Vrai Zom Pa Batt Fam!” meaning, “A true Man will never hit a Woman”.

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The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (WWTVPRA) of 2008 was signed into law on December 23, 2008, by the President.  The changes under this law relate to the legal rights of certain employment or education-based nonimmigrants under Federal immigration, labor, and employment laws.  To learn more, check out the new pamphlet on the WWTVPRA here