UNiTE Caribbean Artiste Michael "Mikey" Mercer Continues Support to EVAW
Date:
Bridgetown, Barbados - Recognised across Barbados as a celebrity advocate working for an end to violence against women and girls, UNiTE Caribbean Artist Michael “Mikey” Mercer participated in several outreach activities during the 2014 – 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls:
- Mikey participated in the UN Women MCO Caribbean launch of its social mobilisation work in the Eastern Caribbean, which focuses on mobilising communities, and boys and men, in tackling the social norms and behaviours which sanction violence against women and girls. He also joined the UN Women Representative Christine Arab, in the launch’s press briefing outlining why he felt it important to be counted as a UNiTE Caribbean artist.
- Mikey was named as an ambassador for the “Show Your Love” national walk organised by one of Barbados’ main newspapers – the Nation Publishing Company. The activity advocated for an end to violence and identified the lone shelter for battered women as one of the beneficiary organisations from the monies raised.
- On Human Rights Day, Mikey participated in the UNST Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean partnership with “the Lanterns at Hastings” shopping centre Orange Your Neighbourhood outreach initiative. The UNiTE 16 Days campaign call to action focussed on organising creative and visually striking “Orange Events” in neighbourhoods and communities. There UN staff shared on the UNiTE Campaign and advocacy on efforts to identify and end EVAW in Barbados and the Caribbean. Shoppers were also given information on how they could take responsibility to bring an end to VAW and invited to take selfies to share on their social media as a visual signal of their commitment to seeing an end to VAW and girls.
- Also on Human Rights Day, Mikey supported the women’s umbrella National Organisation of Women “Take Back the Night” silent march and rally at one of the island’s main city centres in Oistins, Christ Church.