Antigua and Barbuda’s largest public advocacy initiative against gender-based violence officially returned on Wednesday, January 7, with the launch of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Walk 2026 at the Multipurpose Centre.
The annual event, now entering its third year, is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, in observance of International Women’s Day, which falls the following day. Online registration is now open to the public.
The walk is organised by Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) through its IHO Gender-Based Violence Coalition, in partnership with the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA). In 2025, the event drew more than 2,000 participants, with organisers expressing confidence that turnout will increase significantly this year.
Gender-based violence — whether physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological — continues to pose serious and lasting consequences for women and girls, including physical injury, long-term health complications, emotional trauma, and reduced opportunities. Beyond individual harm, organisers emphasise that GBV weakens families and disrupts entire communities.
At the launch, IHO’s Communications Officer urged past participants to actively mobilise their networks, encouraging families, social groups, workplaces, and civil society organisations to join the movement. More than 28 civil society groups participated in the walk last year.
“Never underestimate the power of showing up, of taking part, and of adding your voice to a movement for something as important as this,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of DoGA, a programme officer described gender-based violence as a pervasive social issue that leaves deep scars on victims and erodes community wellbeing. She noted that since its inception in 2024, the walk has evolved into a critical national platform for awareness and advocacy, and stressed the importance of increased participation from men and boys.
Activities tied to the GBV Walk 2026 extend beyond the march itself and include an eight-week national awareness campaign, weekly youth workshops, and a fundraising drive to support the establishment of Antigua and Barbuda’s first dedicated women’s shelter.