Guyana Model Search/Designers’ Portfolio (GMS/DP) was launched last evening at the Sidewalk Cafe at 7 pm just after it was revealed that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security would also be part of the final of the event slated for July 1 at Isika, East Bank Essequibo.
According to a press release, at that activity, the ministry intends to engage women to discuss preventative mechanisms on how to respond to conflict related violence against women and will take the opportunity to sensitize the public on this issue which occurs so prevalent in our society today.
It is the ministry’s intention to sensitize the populace using the arts and entertainment to bring to the forefront the issue of domestic violence which is a national pandemic that cuts across all borders, ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, politics and religion, the release said. It added that domestic violence affects women’s health and well being. It hurts children and families and poses a considerable cost to societies economically and socially.
The release said Minister Jennifer Westford was unequivocal in her support of the creative industry as a platform to engage social transformation. On July 1, the ministry will be hosting workshops and dynamic dialogue sessions all day within the ‘Better Living’ component of the event.
Meanwhile, the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts said it was heartened by the endorsement of the ministry.
The foundation had earlier announced that this year, GMS/DP had set as part of its mission, a focus on domestic violence issues. Implicit in this awareness, is an understanding of concerns involving gender equity and women’s empowerment.
The GMS/DP finale ‘Walking on Sunshine’ is a two-part extravaganza. The first part, ‘Better Living’ will start at 10 am and end at 6 pm and ‘Glamorous’ from 6.30 pm to 9 pm, when winners will be announced.
