MORE SUPPORT has come in for the Million Woman March planned for Emancipation Day, by the group Mother in Crisis.Convenor of child advocacy group, Hear the Children's Cry, Betty Ann Blaine this week urged all Jamaicans to get involved, especially if they want to save the lives of children.
"I would like to encourage all our families to come out, for us to get together and talk a powerful vision of a peaceful Jamaica where our children can be safe," she said.
"We need to agree on how we are going to protect our youngsters, and what are the practical things we can do to ensure their safety ... We cannot afford to be apathetic. Let us take action now."
CAMPAIGN AGAINST VIOLENCE
Hear the Children Cry launched a campaign to reduce violence against children in March. The campaign dubbed 'Are the children ok?' includes several activities aimed at promoting the safety of children.
The Million Woman March is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., August 1, in the car park at the National Stadium and will travel along Arthur Wint Drive towards Maurescaux Road before concluding at National Heroes Park.
The march will be followed by a rally under the theme 'Clean up your Home Let's clean up our country!'
Its objectives are to use the influence women have in the home to combat the current epidemic of crime and violence.
A team of influential women, led by keynote speaker Pastor Dr. Pat Francis, a Jamaican-born pastor with a worldwide ministry, will offer participants practical advice on keeping their homes, families and communities free of crime. The event is being preceded by three days of fasting and prayer.
EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE
During last month's Gleaner Editors Forum, Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughan, chairperson of the Early Childhood Commission and behavioural paediatrician, said Jamaican children are exposed to high levels of violence, including various forms of verbal and physical abuse, which need to be addressed.
Other speakers scheduled for the march are Mrs. Blaine and Yvonne Coke, founder of Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness, who will talk on 'Perspectives of Jamaica's Motto, Anthem and Pledge.'
Assistant Commissioner of Police Novelette Grant is also expected to speak, focusing on 'Policing Your Home' while paediatrician, Dr. Christine Gabbidon, is to speak on 'Family Violence and the Child.'
Claudette Pious, Executive Director of Children First, is also expected to participate.
