CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - WITH the world recognizing today, March 8, International Women’s Day, Junior Minister of Health and Gender Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration, Hazel Brandy-Williams wants all to reflect the gains made to improving the lives of women and girls.
In her speech to recognize the day, the Minister intimated that the day presents an opportunity to chart the way forward in establishing a new paradigm for gender equality in society.
The minister, who has over the years championed the women’s cause, asserts that gender equality is the hallmark of any well-functioning society and democracy. She, however, noted that if true gender equality is to be achieved, “then there must be meaningful partnership and co-existence of both our men and women; be it in the home, our places of work, in the schools and in the corridors of our parliament”
According to Mrs. Brandy-Williams, the partnership and peaceful co-existence “must entail men and women uplifting and supporting each other in helping to break down systemic barriers which have long hindered our societies from moving on to progressive pathways of excellence”
Media reports have indicated that women face a number of challenges in today’s society, from equal pay disparity, to being overlooked for work promotions, to sexual harassment both in and outside of the work place.
Junior Minister Brandy-Williams asserts that the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action gives us cause to reflect and to consolidate on the strides women are making today.
“Indeed, it is particularly appropriate that we do so in the year 2020, which is equally synonymous with exhibiting vision and visual acuity. That vision must unveil itself in this the year 2020, as we chart the way forward over the next decade to achieve, in full effect, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of which gender equality is at the epicentre.
“At this juncture, each generation is often called, and rightfully so, to improve on the gains made by the generation prior. I therefore sound a clarion call for the next generation of gender activists to come to the fore and help us to address the unfinished business of working toward equality. Let us identify the areas where we have fallen short, for in closing the gender gap, our economy will prosper and our society will be the better. What is more, is that the gains will be greater when both our men and our women work hand-in-hand and do it together. I therefore ask everyone to consider the role that they can play in achieving a new generation of gender equality, as we seek to build a Nevis where every girl and every boy has the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential,” the Minister explained.
