As we move into the third month of the year, we must keep working towards a better and brighter future for everyone in Anguilla – a better future that is all-encompassing.
This week we embark on celebrations for Women’s Week and it is worthwhile pausing to consider why this sort of recognition is necessary, as indeed I believe it is. I want first to thank the women around the world who are pushing forward each day, making their voices heard, standing up for what they believe in, and empowering themselves and each other. In some parts of the world, sad to say, their progress is against the odds and barely perceptible. Happily, here in Anguilla it is recognised and accepted. We can also commend the hardworking and visionary women who have been recognised as honorees and have contributed so much to our society. Here we can recognise the powerful vision of men and women able to excel and advance in society as equals.
In order to move still further forward, we need to acknowledge why female appreciation is so important. For years women were disempowered and silenced, which hindered their ability to progress, take matters into their own hands, and develop their own lives on an equal footing with men. We cannot forget how many years went by when women were legally disallowed from having a seat at the table and demonstrating their equal contributions to society, like their male counterparts. Indeed, it is not so long ago that women were not entitled to vote and, to this day, there are many countries in the world where their terms of employment are inferior to those of men. We have evolved but we must continue to improve. The historical pattern of silencing and inequality must continue to be improved upon.
As many great women in recent history and in the present day have demonstrated, the role of a woman is of equal value – even if, in some occupations, different – as that of a man. Communities must stand in solidarity and demand that our brothers and sisters have a level playing field, where success is based on skills and expertise and not gender. There must be a mutual recognition of each other’s strengths so that we can reject the notions of prejudice, oppression and belittlement.
Gender Affairs Anguilla has done a great job at endorsing these healthy dynamics that must be reinforced to promote equal and humane treatment for all. We must first work inward and address the local imbalances and then look to maintaining equality on a global scale. I would also commend the UN Women that have joined us more than once for a Parliamentarian Workshop on Gender Development. We must unite for the common good, reaching out across borders and breaking down the barriers in order to uplift and protect all.
This is a time where we can agreeably acknowledge the immense advancements and new heights that women have reached. We see at this very moment that there is a diverse group of women developing policies in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate at the highest level, and in the politics of Britain and other European countries. We can also see amazing women starting businesses and initiatives at the more local level.
While it cannot be denied that the concept of “women’s rights” includes protection of women where women are subject to special circumstances (such as maternity leave for child-bearing), or are more susceptible to mistreatment, those are manageable factors. What we should set our sights on seeing is a world where the distinction between men and women does not discriminate between the qualifications of a person on the grounds of gender, but that allows us to accept a person as no less suitable a candidate for a profession, a career or a role on the basis of gender, but who should be judged solely on qualifications and ability. Gone are the days when voices should remain mute. Now are the days when minds should be open, respect should be given, and equality should be fundamental.
