The Hindu Women’s Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (HWO) once again rolled out the pink carpet for a vibrant book launch and award ceremony, celebrating the activism of fearless advocates shaping a brighter future for women across the region.
The evening, marked by activism and storytelling, brought together numerous organisations whose efforts play a vital role in promoting human and gender rights.
The night’s main honouree was its founding member, social and cultural activist Brenda Gopeesingh, whose newly published book, ‘The 100th Anniversary of the End of Indentureship,’ is a historical tome about the life of the organisation and its efforts towards raising a red flag against gender inequality.
The current President of the Hindu Women’s Organisation, Kamla Tewarie, described Ms. Gopeesingh as “a monumental force, whose legacy continues to inspire advocacy and female liberation” throughout the country.
“Brenda’s success in advocacy was realised when she initiated the call to amend the Marriage Act in 2011. This act legitimised child marriage. In 2017 the amended Marriage Act was proclaimed. Child marriage became illegal.”
Mrs. Tewarie singled out assistance from the government to help in the amendment of the current Hindu marriage register.
“Currently we are trying to amend the Hindu Marriage Register, in which the bride’s profession is not included. We met with the former Minister of Legal Affairs and had a good understanding that she would do her best to advance our cause, but alas, the government changed.”
Beyond the pages, Ms. Gopeesingh’s voice resonated as she focused on the need to illuminate all forms of gender-based violence.
“By 2010, the HWO had identified with some of the recommendations of Sedor, one of them to place priorities on measures to address violence against women in the family and the society and to take urgent measures to overcome traditional stereotypes regarding the role of women and men.”
Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, Vandana Mohit, highlighted the importance of documenting our history, as it aids in strengthening our present and lighting the way for a more empowered future.
“Yet even as we honour that legacy, we must confront the truth that many women and girls today still experience violence, discrimination, and inequality, and so the message of this book becomes more relevant, because the story of indentureship is not just of labour; it is a story of human rights. It is a story of struggle for recognition. It is a story of women who endured the unendurable and still rose.”
November 26th is recognised as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign. The global initiative aims to raise awareness, mobilise communities, and drive action to end gender-based violence. The campaign concludes on December 10th, recognised globally as Human Rights Day.