Trinidad and Tobago boasts rich ethnic and cultural diversity, marked by a legacy of colonisation and governance. The geographical positioning of its islands gave rise to the trafficking of illicit drugs from South to North America. Notably, in 1990, Trinidad and Tobago faced the upheaval of the Jamaat al Muslimeen coup attempt, an event that precipitated the influx of firearms into the country. This convergence of factors has resulted in high crime rates and resulting conflicts and violence in the country.

Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, a versatile peacebuilder from Trinidad and Tobago, directs her efforts towards addressing conflicts stemming from gun violence and gender-based violence (GBV), and fosters women’s participation in leadership roles.

Building conversations around stories of victims

In the northern regions of the country, where incidents of gun violence are prevalent, communities are deemed high-risk due to their association with gang-related activities.

Sabrina and her team adopted a strategic approach, showcasing a documentary featuring the narratives of five women who had tragically lost their sons to gun violence. Despite the sensitivity of the subject matter, the women bravely agreed to participate, even in precarious situations such as one woman living with her son's murderer. The documentary deeply resonated with the community, providing a platform for discussion on the profound impact of gun violence on their lives.

Sabrina highlights that “The choice of venue for screening the documentary was deliberate, opting for a shared space inside a shed located at the end of a frequently used walkway. This ensured accessibility and comfort for attendees, fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue.”  Initially, she recalled, “scepticism prevailed among the community members, who observed the proceedings from a distance. However, as comfort grew, participation increased significantly.”

Sabrina highlights the importance of framing the event as an opportunity for “communal engagement” rather than a “lecture,” offering incentives such as sanitisation assistance to encourage attendance. This approach proved effective in drawing community members together and breaking the taboo surrounding discussions on gun violence.

The initiative had a profound impact, facilitating the sharing of experiences and fostering awareness among community members. By providing a safe space for storytelling, the initiative empowered women to confront the challenges posed by drug abuse within their families and communities. Sabrina reflects on the success of the simple yet powerful strategy, acknowledging the pivotal role of women in fostering cohesion and resilience within the community.

Women’s leadership in building peace 

Recognising the importance of leadership for women in peacebuilding, Sabrina has actively contributed to the Women and Leadership for Local Government programme, which aims to equip women candidates with the necessary training to pursue roles in local government. Serving as a facilitator, Sabrina focuses on the roles and responsibilities incumbent upon local councillors.

Over a period of 15 years, this initiative has supported 400 women, with several successfully securing positions as elected government councillors in their respective locales.

“Particularly noteworthy is the programme’s role in empowering East Indian women to envision themselves as leaders within their communities and in the political arena. While historically East Indian women have been involved in political campaigning, their involvement was often behind the scenes. However, the programme has catalysed a surge in women filing nomination papers and being accepted as candidates, marking a shift in community perceptions,” Sabrina explained.

Initially met with apprehension, these new women leaders have demonstrated their competence and effectiveness, gradually earning acceptance and respect. The programme’s success has prompted its expansion to other Caribbean islands, extending support to women aspiring to enter the realm of politics.

Addressing GBV as a pathway to peace

Over the past six years, Sabrina has dedicated herself to working on addressing gender-based violence (GBV), particularly in her role with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CADV) organisation in Trinidad and Tobago. Within CADV, Sabrina focuses on supporting survivors of GBV, offering essential services such as free psychosocial support, including counselling, as well as access to legal consultations, and provisions for food and hygiene. Currently, CADV assists approximately 50 survivors per month.

In 2021, Sabrina and her team achieved significant milestones in their GBV advocacy efforts. “We successfully lobbied the government for an amendment to the Domestic Violence Act, introducing legislation safeguarding children and establishing a sex offender registry. Additionally, they formed the Alliance for State Action, collaborating with 20 civil society organisations to advocate for further legislation protecting women and children. Furthermore, CADV worked alongside the government to implement a policy on sexual harassment and advocate for legislation addressing online protection for women, as well as a Domestic Violence Workplace policy for the corporate sector,” she elaborated.

The culmination of these efforts resulted in the establishment of the Gender-Based Violence Unit in 2021, facilitating easier access to information and support for GBV survivors. This initiative has led to an increase in the filing of Protection Orders and divorce procedures, indicating a growing awareness among women that they need not tolerate domestic violence in their relationships and can seek assistance. CADV has witnessed a notable surge in the number of women seeking support services like legal assistance and counselling, a stark contrast to previous reluctance due to stigma. Additionally, CADV's collaboration with the government has secured commitments to allocate funds and resources to civil society organisations for the establishment of safe spaces, such as shelters, for GBV survivors. Sabrina affirms that these achievements represent a significant impact on the community.

A multi-pronged approach 

The multifaceted nature of Sabrina’ initiatives have been instrumental in nurturing peace and harmony within Trinidad and Tobago. Through her endeavours, she has spearheaded legislative reforms aimed at addressing systemic issues contributing to conflict and violence; implemented direct programming and interventions that target root causes of social unrest, such as poverty and inequality; delivered tangible support services to those affected by violence and oppression.

Furthermore, Sabrina stresses the crucial role this multi-pronged approach has played in bridging the gap between government responsibilities and community needs. “This approach serves to enhance the level of safety and security within the society, and while having a tangible impact on the lives of individuals, it has lasting impact on the overall wellbeing of the community.”

“Working with local grassroots communities is a strength for leaders because you get the chance to work directly with the people you are helping. You can build a strong relationship through your physical presence and build trust when engaging with them one-on-one. It opens up the community more which makes it easier to provide support to them. The community is more likely to reach out to you for help and less hesitant and reluctant to seek assistance or adopt new activities that would benefit them,” she concludes.