Ten women honoured on International Women’s Day

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation’s jam-packed schedule of activities for 2010 International Women’s Day concluded on Monday (Mar. 7) with an Awards Ceremony highlighting the achievements of 10 local women.

Representatives of the Gender Affairs Ministry, other interested persons, and friends and family of the awardees filled the Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre to capacity on Monday afternoon for the second edition of the annual awards.

The honourees were Gloria Henry (Entrepreneurship), Ann Esdaille (Education), Viola Hicks (Healthcare), Ruby Woods-Harris (Agriculture), Cynthia Hull (Cultural Development), Cynthia Browne (Manufacturing and Industry), Lorraine Hendrickson (Care-giving), Kathrine Bradshaw (Arts and Craft), Sonia Henry (Volunteerism) and Jihan Williams (Youth Development).

Past Director of Gender Affairs Ingrid Charles-Gumbs and former Minister responsible for the portfolio Rupert Herbert were also honoured for their contributions to female empowerment.

“When women are in positions to do something meaningful, the entire nation, and not just women, benefits. Studies have shown that when there are more women in leadership positions, the quality of life increases dramatically,” said Minister of Gender Affairs Hon. Marcella Liburd at Monday’s ceremony.

She stressed that instead of being content with seeing one of their own succeed, women should use that person’s accomplishments as an impetus for their own ambition.

“The women we are celebrating tonight were not satisfied to watch others do well. They went about their business and did what they had to do to empower themselves. That is the message to take away from today...push for the top because there is always room up there for more of us.”

Monday marked the centenary of International Women’s Day, a day when women are recognised for their achievements without regard to ethnic, economic, political or linguistic divisions. The 2010 theme is “Equal rights, equal opportunities: progress for all”.

Prior to the Awards Ceremony, the Gender Affairs Ministry held several related activities including school visits, a panel discussion, a health walk and a church service.

It also collaborated with a local women’s group to host the second annual Winning with Women forum at the Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino on Sunday (Mar. 7).