The Chief Executive Officer of Do-Nation Foundation Inc., Diane Felicien, has spoken out against violence against women, declaring the need for more to address the problem.
Felicien spoke hours after 20-year-old Jolie William of New Village, Castries, sustained fatal stab wounds during an attack that occurred on Friday morning in Reduit.
A second female sustained injuries.
“We must do more! Violence against women in Saint Lucia is a crisis that demands urgent action,” Felicien told St. Lucia Times.
“Too many lives have been lost, too many women live in fear, and too many families are left to mourn. We must send a hard, cold message—taking a life is never okay,” the founder of the non-government organisation, which works to eradicate social ills, stated.
According to Felicien, beyond stricter laws and swift justice, there is a need for education on Gender-Based Violence, conflict resolution, and intervention programs for both men and women.
” We cannot only respond after violence happens—we must prevent it by addressing the root causes, challenging harmful beliefs, and equipping our communities with tools to handle conflict without violence,” she asserted.
“Men and women alike need safe spaces to unlearn toxic behaviors, develop healthier relationships, and seek support before situations escalate. Ending violence starts with education, awareness, and accountability at every level of society. Saint Lucia, we cannot afford to wait. The time to act is now,” Felicien emphasised.
