BASSETERRE, St. Kitts. Mar. 08.2018 – DIRECTOR of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS, Dereck Springer, says that the observance of International Women’s Day 2018 is more significant than ever before.
That comes as women continue to fight for equality in health, economics, politics and other very relevant parts of daily discussions across the region, even though there are well-organized marches, workshops and events in the region geared towards females.
In a speech to recognize Thursday, March 8, International Women’s Day, Springer endorsed the theme ‘Press for Progress’, while reflecting on the World Economic Forum's 2017 Global Gender Gap Report that revealed that gender parity is still 200 years away.
“This makes it even more critical for women and men to sincerely support advocating for equal pay and especially more access to health and sexual reproductive services. There has never been a more important time to keep motivated and find ways of removing barriers to fast-tracking equal access for women.”
He reminded that in 2014, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called on Caribbean countries to guarantee women access to essential health services and interventions.
He raised several questions on that front.
“Have we heeded this call? Are we adequately vigilant that our women and girls are receiving equal access to health care services? These are questions that we should be constantly examining, not just on International Women’s Day, but at every opportunity possible in recognition that women and girls have invaluable contributions to make to our society.”
According to Springer, the right to health for women and girls forms a fundamental aspect of the PANCAP Justice for All Roadmap.
He said that they believe that no society can truly progress without equal access to health services by all.
“This concept is also at the heart of PANCAP’s Vision: An AIDS-Free Caribbean. Indeed, fast-tracking the 90-90-90 goals cannot be achieved without adequate focus on ensuring women and girls have equal access to sexual and reproductive health services.”
St. Kitts and Nevis will tomorrow join the rest of the world in recognizing March 8, International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
