Social Affairs Official appeals to community to join forces to fight abuse against women
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Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development on Nevis Mr. Alstead Pemberton
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CHARLESTOWN NEVIS -- Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development on Nevis Mr. Alstead Pemberton, appealed to the community to join forces to end the cycle of rape, violence incest, prostitution and other forms of abuse against women since in his view once it was better for women it would be better for all on the island.
He made the appeal during a televised address on Nevis Television Channel 8 on Friday March 07, to herald in the United Nations International Women’s Day celebrations in Nevis on March 08, 2008.
“Let us invest in our women and girls to ensure better families, better communities and by extension a better Nevis.
“I want to encourage all of us to make a difference by thinking globally and acting locally and to make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your part to ensure the future of our women and girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding,” he said.
According to Mr. Pemberton, each year hundreds of events are held around the world to celebrate the advancement of women but in Nevis there will be two major activities have been scheduled to mark the Day.
“Here in Nevis the Department of Social services through the Gender Affairs Division, will celebrate International Women’s Day with two major activities a charity walk for breast cancer care on Saturday Morning and in the evening a ceremony at Café Des Arts to honour five of our stalwart Nevisian women who have contributed significantly in enhancing the social, economic and even political landscape of Nevis over the years. ~~Adz:Right~~
These women are Mary Weeks from St. Pauls Anita Mills from St. Johns, Winifred Herbert from St. Thomas, Florence Griffin from St. James and Iona Moore from St. Georges. I want to celebrate with and congratulate these five women and indeed all women of Nevis as they celebrate International Women’s Day,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also explained that International Women’s Day started in 1908 and this year marked the 100th anniversary of the celebration of the economic, social and political achievements of women worldwide. Since then he said that women had made significant strides in all spheres of life especially in education, politics and business.
“Therefore the celebration of women provided an important opportunity for everyone to look back at history and recognize the achievements of women while at the same time there is a call for women not to become complacent about their future.
“International Women’s Day is an important time to recognize not only the achievements of women but also the leadership role they provide. By doing this we are not only providing role models but we are also encouraging our communities to nominate women for honours in our society,” he said.
Mr. Pemberton noted that the 2008 celebrations was a significant year as it marked the 100th anniversary of women in paid and unpaid jobs.
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