Antigua and Barbuda’s largest public advocacy initiative against gender-based violence has returned with the launch of the GBV Walk 2026.
The annual event, now in its third year, will take place on Saturday, 7 March, ahead of International Women’s Day. Online registration is open.
The walk is organised by Integrated Health Outreach and its Gender-Based Violence Coalition, in partnership with the Directorate of Gender Affairs. More than 2,000 people took part last year, and organisers expect a larger turnout in 2026.
Organisers say gender-based violence continues to have serious physical, emotional and social consequences, affecting not only victims but families and communities. They have urged previous participants to encourage wider involvement from families, workplaces and civil society groups.
A representative from the Directorate of Gender Affairs described the walk as an important national platform for awareness and advocacy, stressing the need for greater participation from men and boys.
The initiative also includes an eight-week national awareness campaign, youth workshops and fundraising to support the country’s first dedicated women’s shelter. Donations are being accepted through an online campaign and collection boxes across the island.
Integrated Health Outreach said earlier campaigns helped secure a government decision to lease land for the shelter, which is planned as a women-led social enterprise.
International figures highlight the scale of the issue. UN Women says one in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, with higher rates reported in the Caribbean.
Organisers say tackling gender-based violence requires a collective response and have renewed their call for the public, organisations and businesses to support the 2026 walk and related activities.
