The Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) organization has emphasized the indispensable role of volunteers in powering Antigua and Barbuda’s third annual Gender-Based Violence Walk, scheduled for March 7th, 2026. In collaboration with the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), the nonprofit reveals that volunteer efforts have been the cornerstone of previous successful events in 2024 and 2025, and remain critical for the upcoming awareness initiative.
According to IHO Communications Officer Kieron Murdoch, dozens of committed volunteers have already engaged in multifaceted support activities including community mobilization, flyer distribution, weekend registration sessions, and placard preparation. “Our volunteers are the engine that drives the walk each year,” Murdoch stated, describing their dedication as “extraordinary” and acknowledging that the event would be impossible without their substantial contributions.
The walk, which begins at 2:00 PM from the Botanical Gardens, represents the nation’s largest public advocacy event focused on combating sexualized and gender-based violence (GBV). While acknowledging that anyone can experience GBV, organizers highlight the disproportionate impact on women and girls due to harmful social norms and gender inequality.
IHO has conducted in-person registration at various locations including First Choice Supermarket, Epicurean, and Chase Supermarket, with an additional session scheduled for March 28th at Cost Pro Supermarket in Woods Mall from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Participants can also register online through the provided registration link or via IHO’s website, with both registration and event t-shirts provided free of charge.
Building on the success of the 2025 event that attracted over 2,000 participants, both IHO and DoGA express confidence that attendance will increase significantly in 2026, further amplifying the message for positive societal change and enhanced safety for women and girls.