A forum on cultural diversity, domestic violence, and equality of women was held, and speakers from different ethnic groups shared their stories.
Attorney Joe Hill, president of the committee, said the holiday was first officially celebrated in the CNMI in 2006.
“We cannot take for granted the freedoms we have today because history has a way of repeating itself,” he said.
Govendo said if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was alive today domestic violence against women would be his cause.
The judge said he does not consider himself as an expert on domestic violence but has attended many seminars and workshops about it.
He said he learned that there are no simple answers in understanding the causes of domestic violence or in offering solutions.
“It’s a complicated field and touches people of every nation, race, and status,” he said
The judge offered insights on dealing with the issues as a former practicing attorney in the CNMI and now as the main trial court judge handling these matters in the commonwealth.
“What I have witnessed secondhand are the horrible results of violence in the home,” he said. “I’ve seen families torn apart by domestic violence in which women and children were assaulted and beaten. I’ve known of children who have been traumatized by the violence they have witnessed and come to fear their fathers and resented their mothers.”
He said it is obvious that there is a connection between all forms of violence and abuse.
“As Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, the ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil it multiplies it,” he said.
Govendo ended his speech by quoting former United Nations Secretary-general Kofi Annan.
“He once said violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation and perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries, geography, culture or wealth. As long as it continues we cannot claim to be making real progress where there is equality, development, and peace.”
