Parliamentary Secretary for Reform and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg attended an awards ceremony organized by the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, which rewarded a number of students for the work they presented during a competition held during the sixteenth day of activism against domestic violence.
Every year, the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence organizes a national awareness campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence in its various forms, particularly against women. During these days, the Commission organized a competition in drawing and writing schools for Primary and Secondary students. The themes chosen were ‘A Beautiful Friendship’ for primary school students, while the theme ‘We need Love to be Healthy and Happy’ was chosen for secondary school students. Accordingly, the winners representing the respective themes were awarded earlier today.
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg praised the work presented by the students, while thanking the parents and teachers for the guidance and help they give to children in shaping strong values. In her message she said how as a society we can never talk and raise enough awareness about violence so it is crucial that we teach children, from an early age, to never find themselves in an abusive situation. “Every person who goes through a situation of violence should be helped to be assertive and talk about their experience. It is therefore important that we continue to carry out activities to raise awareness against violence so that, under no circumstances does anyone think that this can be acceptable, “said the Parliamentary Secretary.
Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Audrey Friggieri said one of the important tasks of the commission is to educate society. She reiterated that friendship and love are two elements that help the individual to grow and form relationships with others in society. “Friendship and love are essential for us human beings. We have to work for them, and take care of them, because without them we cannot be happy and healthy. It is therefore important to express ourselves, because in this way we can bring about the necessary change, and make a difference in our lives, and those around us ”.
