Mia Lee Ling

141, Palmsprings,
San Fernando,
February 8th,2021

Addie La Rue,
The Editor,
Newsday Paper,
Port of Spain

Subject: Violence against Women.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw your kind attention
for the lack of safety and respect of the women of our country. This relates to the recent and
unfortunate murder of Miss Andrea Bharatt.

Violence against women and girls is deeply rooted in gender biased, social standards that
allow violence and gender stereotypes that display violence. These acts may flourish over
time if not dealt with immediately. A ‘cat call’ or ‘wolf whistle’ can easily blossom into sexual
harassment, domestic violence, rape or murder.

From a young age, girls are told to cover up, not to wear shorts out of their homes or any
fitted clothing to reduce being sexualized or preyed upon by unwanted eyes. However, no
matter what clothing is worn, it does not seem to help. Men succumb to their desires much
more easily than women do, they are allowed free reign and the women have to take the
blame for their lack of boundaries.

The double standard of protecting our daughters and teaching them to dress more modestly
is unjust. Educate your sons to respect women, have boundaries and have them understand
‘No means No’. Prevention can stop violence before it transpires, not only for women but
also young men becoming perpetrators. However, it requires the Government's commitment
as well as ours.

This is dangerous and life threatening to girls and women of all ages. Therefore, I urge you
to highlight the seriousness of this issue in your esteemed paper to create an awareness in
people to stand up to violence against women. I hope and pray that my requests are granted
so that no woman or girl will lose her life to gender based violence.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours Respectfully,

Mia Lee Ling.