Flow supports 16 Days of Activism against GBV

C&W Communications, the operators of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering gender equality and supporting efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) as it joins the global movement for the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Marking the world’s approach to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, the 16 Days of Activism provides a powerful opportunity to reinvigorate commitments, call for accountability, and drive meaningful action to address violence against women and girls.

“Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide, and unfortunately, it’s something we’ve had to confront within our own company,” said Esther Tull,  Manager People Business Partner, Flow Barbados.

“Tragically, we lost two colleagues to acts of genderbased violence in recent years, a loss that deeply impacted us all. These incidents made us even more determined to act, and we responded by implementing a global genderbased violence policy across C&W Communications.”

Tull was addressing a recent High-Level Policy on Gender Equality and the Care Economy facilitated by UN Women and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Investment.

“This was not just about meeting a standard, but about going beyond to protect our employees and support our communities. This policy strengthens our commitment to protecting employees who experience gender-based violence, offering resources, support, relocation, and clear guidance on how to manage such situations with urgency and care,” she said.

Tull also highlighted the company’s groundbreaking Parental Leave Policy which provides 16 weeks of paid maternity leave to birthing mothers and 8 weeks of paid parental leave to fathers and non-birthing mothers.

“This policy also aligns seamlessly with our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, acknowledging that modern family dynamics vary widely. By offering equitable leave and actively encouraging men to take it, we aim to create a culture where caregiving responsibilities are shared equally — an essential step toward advancing gender equality in the workplace,” she said.

“Traditionally, women have managed much of the family caregiving. This often results in prolonged career breaks, fewer professional opportunities, and what is known as the ‘motherhood penalty.’ By giving both parents equal opportunities to take leave, we challenge societal expectations of men, encouraging them to take on more caregiving roles. This not only reduces the disproportionate burden on women but also normalises shared parenting responsibilities.”

Beyond internal policies, C&W Communications actively supports community programmes and initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of GBV. The company collaborates with local and regional organisations to raise awareness and educate communities about gender equality, while also calling on decision-makers to strengthen accountability and enhance protections for victims.

“We believe every individual has the right to live and work in a safe environment, free from violence and fear,” said Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of C&W Communications.

“As we stand alongside the United Nations and global advocates during these 16 Days of Activism, we recommit to empowering women and girls, addressing gender inequality, and offering unwavering support to our team members and communities impacted by gender-based violence.”

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue worldwide, with devastating effects on individuals and communities. According to UN Women, one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, a statistic that has remained unchanged over the last decade. Alarmingly, more than 38 per cent of women murdered globally are killed by their intimate partners.

In the Caribbean, the statistics are equally concerning. Studies reveal that women in the region face some of the highest rates of intimate partner violence globally, and UNICEF highlights that one in four girls in the Caribbean has been subjected to sexual abuse before the age of eighteen.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence are observed annually between November 25 and December 10. (PR)