The Surinamese Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor has launched a comprehensive awareness initiative as part of the global ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign. Conducted in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the session addressed the escalating crisis of violence against women and girls both in Suriname and worldwide.
Health authorities emphasized that gender-based violence represents not only a critical public health emergency but also a severe human rights violation. The ministry highlighted the evolving nature of this violence, which now extends beyond physical and sexual abuse to include digital harassment and cyber exploitation.
A central focus of the initiative involves strengthening the healthcare sector’s capacity to address this multifaceted challenge. The ministry outlined four strategic objectives: enhancing professional awareness within medical institutions, building specialized skills among healthcare providers, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, and mobilizing communities—particularly youth—to challenge harmful gender norms.
Through its collaboration with PAHO/WHO, the ministry is working to systematically integrate gender-based violence response protocols into national health policies. This includes improving prevention mechanisms, early detection systems, victim care services, and referral pathways for survivors seeking assistance.
The session represents Suriname’s renewed commitment to protecting women’s health and safety through institutional reforms and community engagement, positioning healthcare providers as frontline defenders against gender-based violence.