A successful Women Empowerment Self-defense class was held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Boynes Taekwondo Academy in Kingston as part of the Prevention of Gender-based Violence Campaign. Photo: Facebook

Mrs British Virgin Islands 2024, Rhonda R. Victor-Pinnock is spearheading the Prevention of Gender-based Violence Campaign as part of her platform 'Gender-based Violence'. Photo: Facebook

Women of all ages and stature turned out for the self-defense class at Boynes Taekwondo Academy in Kingstown. Photo: Facebook

The recently launched Prevention of Gender-based Violence Campaign is spearheaded by Mrs British Virgin Islands 2024, Rhonda R. Victor-Pinnock with support from Unite BVI as well as other non-profit organisations.

This initiative is dear to the heart of Mrs. Victor-Pinnock as she is a domestic abuse survivor who has gender-based violence as her campaign.

In an interview with JTV Channel 55 on Monday, August 19, 2024, Mrs. Victor-Pinnock said she was not aware that she was a victim until she overcame her situation becoming a survivor.

“Now with this platform of gender-based violence powered by Unite BVI and those other non-profit organisations I also hope and pledge that we work together to bring a light and shed light on this issue that is affecting us,” she said.

Mrs. Victor-Pinnock said a wonderful time was had during the self-defense class over the weekend.

Mrs. BVI also said she was surprised with the turnout at Boynes Taekwondo Academy as women from various backgrounds and stature were present.

More programmes coming- Mrs. Victor-Pinnock

“Now with gender-based violence it affects men, women, boys and girls, the entire family, which spill over into affecting our community and the world eventually. So we have several programmes or outreaches that were catered to young adults, catered to older women, older men, community on a whole, [and] entire family,”

These programmes will include visiting adult and new groups to speak about the impact that gender-based violence has on the family and the individual.

“We will be visiting each island and spreading this information, spreading light, letting women and men know that it’s okay to speak up,” Mrs. Victor-Pinnock said.