March 9th 2011 marked International Women’s Day as endorsed by the United Nations; which recognises the importance of investing in women and their development in order to transform the world. Echoing these same sentiments, the Commonwealth joins the salute to revolutionary women of our time, by promoting this Commonwealth Day under the theme “Women as Agents of Change.”
While I acknowledge and applaud the invaluable contribution made by already established, thriving women in our Federation I seek to empower and inspire the younger women of this generation. To those young ladies, who, like myself are no longer girls but are still not yet women; who are still striving to establish their bearings as the future power women in our society.
Before we can become agents of change and dream to transform the world, as young women growing up in an ever evolving society filled with increasing crime and violence, higher costs of living and day to day pressures faced at home, school and in communities, we must learn how to, despite social challenges, grow into the strong women needed to raise and sustain our nation.
We must first start off by maintaining an earnest level of respect for self. Recognise your true worth and never allow anyone to abuse or mistreat you. Remember that women of the past worked tirelessly, against all odds, to afford us the right to justice and equity in every sphere of nation building. Develop the confidence and independence to work hard and achieve the great life you’ve imagined in the thriving nation that you envision. Take a leaf out of the books of Constance Mitchum, Condilisa Rice, Hon. Kamla Persad, and fight for what is right and just, acknowledge that you only deserve the best and never settle for sub-standard.
Let your education be your biggest investment and sharpest tool. There is nothing more attractive or powerful than an intelligent woman. Do not waste your education trying to grasp the attention of the young man across the room. Do not allow yourself to become another statistic by falling privy to the trend of teenage pregnancy and school drop outs. Make conscious decisions to always be responsible; making informed choices about your health and relationships. Take full advantage of the educational opportunities provided because only then will you earn the right to have great expectations about life and the chances to achieve them.
In reaping the fruits of an accomplished academic or vocational life you will gain the courage to exercise your true potential. Everybody can be ordinary but not everyone has the courage to be exemplary. So learn to exercise your potential and dare to be different, lead by example and dare to change the world. Have the confidence to speak up about what is right and speak out against what is wrong. Involve yourself in positive activity, surround yourself with positive peers and familiarize yourself with positive environments. Let this positivity be your motivation to effect necessary change, however large or small, in your homes, school and communities.
Remember that the ability to effect change comes from an internal will to make things happen and by growing up to become an exemplary woman, a young woman confident, educated, with a strong sense of self worth, respected by others, and packed with potential, you gain the will power to transform the world.
In closing I express my best wishes on this Commonwealth Day 2011 and continue to support and encourage all of us, both male and female, as youth, to create, nurture and conquer opportunities to advocate for positive nation building. As youth, we hold the power to change the world and to be the agents of change we need today!
