PAHO Urges Better Data on Violence Against Ethnic Women

A new report from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) reported alarming levels of violence faced by Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and other ethnic women and girls in the Americas. PAHO says that while violence against women is widespread across Latin America and the Caribbean, women from certain ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected.

In 2022, PAHO conducted a study to examine available data, identify gaps, and determine next steps. The study found that while some countries have improved data collection on violence against women from specific ethnic groups, more efforts are needed in collaboration with Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

“Understanding the magnitude of violence against women, as well as its risk factors and consequences, is key to preventing and responding to gender-based violence in our region,” stated Anselm Hennis, Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO.

The report calls for a comprehensive approach to violence prevention, including addressing different types of violence, their causes, and their consequences, while also considering the discrimination faced by women and girls from various ethnic groups.

The release of this report coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and leads up to International Human Rights Day on December 10. 

Belize’s National Women’s Commission (NWC) has been part of this ongoing global effort, especially as the Belize Police Department reported a five percent increase, or 1,250 cases, in 2023 alone. 

16 Days of Activism: ‘Gender-Based Violence Is Not Normal’

“We are telling women, Report it, even if you choose then not to take it to court, not to have press charges; report it, report it, report it,” stated Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chairperson of the NWC. At the launch of the annual Sixteen Days of Activism against gender-based violence held in the House of Culture in Belize City on November 22, Garcia-Ramirez explained that reporting helps create a documented history of abuse and becomes crucial for obtaining restraining orders and securing necessary resources.