Welcome to the third in our series of bi-weekly columns under the title “The Gender Corner,” published in collaboration with the Anguillian Newspaper. Through this publication we hope to provide thought-provoking and stimulating discussion on gender-related matters. This week we discuss Anguilla’s Women’s Week in celebration of International Women’s Day.
It is truly a monumental achievement to have Anguilla’s first annual “Women’s Week: Celebrating the Spirit of Achievement.” If you’ve tuned in to Radio Anguilla, you’ve heard the voices of just a few women on our island as they are sincere, and at times blunt, about their life experiences. As we listen to the interviews, it is clear that some of us haven’t experienced the same successes and challenges, but I believe that in some way, we can each relate to their stories. Each one of us, whether male or female, can relate to overcoming the death of a loved one, seeing a childhood dream come to fruition, managing work and family while still reserving a little time for self-development; yet still managing to keep moving forward in style.
There are many men and women on the island who have consistently worked toward the political, social and economic betterment of all women in Anguilla. By utilizing their talents in their respective fields of influence, they have furthered the agenda of gender equality and achieved successes worthy to be noted. These individuals come from every walk of life and are our educators, public servants, local artists, cooks and chefs, homemakers, housekeepers, corporate movers and shakers, design and event planners, nurses and doctors, and so many more.
So who exactly are these women? You are these women. One woman is your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. The others are your daughters and nieces whom you are building up to be the next generation of change makers. They are the girls who will become women of distinction because of their strong moral base and their heart of compassion. The greatest of these women is you. And this week, we officially celebrate YOU. We thank you for your passion, dedication and perseverance against all odds and through all challenges.
As women, we are inextricably linked in our experiences. At some point in time you will need to be my support and I will need to be yours. On this nation of Anguilla, we need that support. Globally, each woman needs that support. We must hold each other up when we see our sister falling. We need to create and then cherish the sense of togetherness that comes from uplifting one another and helping each other to reach our God-given purpose.
Continue standing strong and make the daily choice to be at your best despite what the day brings. You are not alone and you will never be. As March 8th marks your day, it also marks the day for every woman around the world. From one country to the next, on every continent, with no respect for age, skin color, educational achievement or status, we stand united on March 8 in celebration of womanhood and the journey to continuously inspire.
I want to thank each of the women interviewed for this year’s Women’s Week 2014 for their time, energy and transparency in reliving their journey through reflection. In the spirit of gratitude, I also acknowledge Her Excellency, the Governor Ms. Christina Scott for her focus on Gender Affairs and for spearheading the recognition of Anguilla’s women. Mrs. Farrah Banks, Director of Radio Anguilla and the editor of the radio programmes, your attention to detail and dedication to radio is priceless. And last, to Mr. Kenneth Hodge, Principal Assistant Secretary: a true champion for the realization of human and equal rights. He is evidence that men and women must work together to accomplish shared goals.
Please take a moment to thank the women in your life. And if no one thanks you, I thank you. Take a moment to congratulate yourself and make a vow to strive for greatness one step at a time. Happy Women’s Week 2014!
