RISE, RECLAIM, RESTORE: Safe Space Initiative Piloted in Carriacou to Empower Women and Girls in Post-Hurricane Recovery.

May 30, 2025, Carriacou, Grenada –– Women and girls in Carriacou and Petite Martinique now have a new space for healing, empowerment, and connection, thanks to the Safe Space Initiative — a collaboration between the Social Development Division of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government (MCPMA) and the Build Back Equal (BBE) project, funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) - Caribbean. The pilot initiative was officially launched during activities held from May 22–23, 2025, and marks a critical step in both continuing recovery and building back from Hurricane Beryl and strengthening community preparedness ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.

Over 40 primary school girls gather for the Safe Space Initiative

The Safe Space Initiative emerged from post-hurricane consultations with community members and officials, which revealed heightened vulnerabilities among women and girls and the need for structured psychosocial support in the recovery process. Hurricane Beryl also exposed that women and girls were not aware of the social protection and GBV services available to them.

The pilot included approximately 100 women and girls affected by the hurricane in three age groups—girls (8–11 and 13-16) and women (18 and older)—providing emotional support, access to information and services, and practical tools to help them navigate recovery and resilience in line with the objectives of the Build Back Equal Project.

Programme activities included:

• Support Circles to create safe, inclusive spaces for emotional sharing
• Information Sessions on Gender Based Violence (GBV), mental health, self-care, and navigating resources
• Recreational and Creative Activities to promote healing and self-expression

Speakers for the Launch of the Safe Space Initiative - from left: Mr. Dwight Logan – Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government (MCPMA), Mr. Leanwall Perrotte, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government (MCPMA), Ms. Ramona Grandison - Project Coordination Analyst, Build Back Equal Project, Grenada, UN Women Multi-Country Office Caribbean, Ms. Nadina Williams – Programme Manager, Social Development Division, (MCPMA)
 

Mr. Dwight Logan – Advisor to the Minister, delivered remarks on behalf of the Honourable Tevin Andrews, Parliamentary Representative and Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government and said: “The Safe Space Initiative stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. It emerges at a time when the world is grappling not only with natural disasters, but also with the silent crises of gender-based violence,
inequality, and the marginalization of vulnerable voices. For too long, the experiences of women and girls, particularly in times of crisis — have been overlooked, undervalued, or silenced altogether. This initiative declares: no more.”

Mr Logan continued: “We as a government are especially grateful to UN Women through the generous funding from Global Affairs Canada, for their continued support and investment in building stronger, safer communities. Their partnership reflects the kind of collaborative leadership needed to drive sustainable social transformation.”

Mr. Leanwall Perrotte, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government said: “We stand ready as a Ministry and I give you my commitment as the PS that we will support in whatever way we can based on resources that we have. [...] After the disaster of Beryl, many of you became further exposed, in so many ways and sometimes we concentrate on rebuilding houses and infrastructure and the lives of some of you are pulled and torn in different directions.”

The success of the pilot also reflects the dedication of Ms. Nadina Williams, Programme Manager in the Social Development Division, who played a central role in coordinating and implementing the initiative, with strong support from Ms. Marie George, Assistant to Gender Coordinator, Social Development Division. Their commitment and hands-on involvement ensured the smooth execution of activities and meaningful engagement with participants.

“This initiative marks a critical step in ensuring that GBV and social protection structures remain accessible during crises,” said Loveness Nyakujarah, Coordinator of the Build Back Equal project at UN Women MCO - Caribbean. “By investing in both immediate support and long-term systemic reform, we’re building lasting resilience for women and girls.”

Ramona Grandison, Project Coordination Analyst, BBE Project, Grenada, empowers primary school girls

Ramona Grandison, Project Coordination Analyst, UN Women MCO – Caribbean's focal point for the Build Back Equal Project in Grenada, delivered remarks at the official opening and facilitated sessions with each group said, “We know that gender-based violence (GBV) is a silent crisis—one that thrives in silence, shame, and stigma. But we also know that when women and girls are given safe spaces to speak, to learn, to ask questions, and to build community, healing begins. Change begins. […] That’s why this initiative is part of our hurricane preparedness. Because safety isn’t just about storm shutters and food supplies—it’s about protecting our most vulnerable from the storms within our homes and communities.”

Participants were also introduced to the draft GBV referral pathways for adults and children in Carriacou. The draft was reviewed and discussed with each age group and participants provided valuable feedback, highlighting necessary additions, contextual considerations, identifying skills gaps, and areas for adaptation. This input will be used to strengthen the pathways to better reflect and respond effectively to the community’s specific needs.

Jaydyne Alexander, GBV Responder from the GBV Unit at the Ministry of Social & Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs, conducts a resilience exercise

Post-event evaluations revealed a marked improvement in participants’ understanding of GBV, their rights, and the local resources available to support survivors. These gains underscore the value of Safe Space programming as both an immediate intervention and a tool for long-term empowerment.

As part of broader GBV response efforts under the BBE project, the initiative is aligned with the development of a shock-resistant GBV referral pathway for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Following capacity-building sessions, work progressed toward revising the national GBV support system. These efforts will culminate in the establishment of a GBV Inter-agency Expertise & Leadership Forum (GBV IELF) which will serve as a national coordination mechanism for GBV prevention and response. The structure is currently being finalised after stakeholder consultations and validation of Terms of Reference in November 2024.

The Safe Space Initiative also draws on findings from the 2023 Grenada Economic Costs of Violence Against Women and Girls Study, which highlights the toll of violence on economic participation and productivity. We now know that economic cost of violence is 171.66 million Eastern Caribbean dollars or 5.24% of Grenada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (representing service costs and household costs). The pilot’s success is expected to inform expanded programming and improved access to GBV services for the women and girls of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.