Nurses Host Orange Day March to Raise Awareness on Gender-Based Violence

Members of the NAJ take a group photo following the Orange Day March

Dressed in striking orange and armed with banners, chants, and unwavering determination, members of the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) took to the streets of St Elizabeth for their Orange Day Road March, calling attention to the urgent need to end gender-based violence (GBV) across the island.

Held on February 25, the march formed part of the NAJ’s ongoing campaign to amplify public education and advocacy efforts around the issue, in solidarity with the United Nations’ “Orange the World” initiative.

The vibrant road march brought together nurses, community members, and other stakeholders who walked in unity through the town, sharing messages of empowerment, hope, and zero tolerance for violence.

The nurses emphasised the significance of the event, noting that nurses, as frontline caregivers and community leaders, play a pivotal role in both identifying and responding to cases of abuse.

The members of the Association noted that it was more than just a walk but that it’s a movement to protect the rights, lives, and well-being of our women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

Throughout the march, participants distributed informational leaflets on GBV prevention and support services while encouraging residents to speak out against violence and support survivors. The march ended with a rally featuring cultural performances, survivor testimonials, and addresses from healthcare professionals and local leaders.

St Elizabeth was chosen as the host parish this year to widen the reach of the campaign and engage rural communities that may face unique challenges in accessing resources and reporting abuse.

The NAJ’s Orange Day Road March is part of its broader commitment to supporting national and global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. It also aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.