Antigua’s Botanical Gardens served as the backdrop for a powerful demonstration of solidarity this past weekend, where hundreds of participants converged to observe International Women’s Day through a purposeful 5K walk. The gathering, formally designated as ‘Men & Women United 2026: Stop Gender-Based Violence 5K Walk’, represented a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Integrated Health Outreach alongside the Directorate of Gender Affairs. Now entering its third consecutive year, the annual event has witnessed a substantial increase in public engagement and visibility. Attendees created a vivid sea of orange attire—a color internationally recognized as a symbol for the eradication of violence against women. A prominent message echoed throughout the event was embodied on participants’ apparel, which boldly stated ‘A Shelter Is A Must’. This slogan directly advocates for the critical need to establish a dedicated safe house facility for survivors of gender-based violence within Antigua and Barbuda. The undertaking received significant corporate backing, with telecommunications provider Flow listed among the key sponsors facilitating the awareness-raising campaign.