Greetings to you the Women on our beautiful island Anguilla and our regional colleagues!
This year International Women’s Day falls on a Sunday and we are aware that the date is always 8 March. Today, I join in saluting our women globally. As far as I am aware, some of our organizations observe the day as a Calendar Day of Observances, the Mothers Union, the Soroptimist International of Anguilla and Great Britain, the Anguilla National Council of Women now rebranded Anguilla National Organization of Women, the umbrella branch of the affiliated Women organizations under the Presidency of Ms Glenneva Hodge. Our Caribbean Women’s Association (CARIWA) network and United Nation (UN) Partners.
Themes may vary based on where you live. In some countries, it is considered an opportunity to appreciate women in a general way. In other countries, it’s a little more focused – more about celebrating the achievements of woman-kind economically and socially.
Quote: UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlamba Ngcuka highlights 2020 as the year for gender equality and calls on everyone to tackle the persistent barriers against gender equality.
The global Theme “ #Each for Equality” continues all year long to encourage action.
The question may be asked ‘Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day? It is a global day celebrating the historical, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. The day also is a day of action against gender inequality around the world. As women we have come to the realization that the world could not run without women. ( The Song Strength of a Woman comes to mind).
Apart from singling out women, the day focuses on unity, equality and advocacy, especially in a world where the differences and injustices between women and men are as great as ever.
In considering the adapted local Theme “Celebrating Women Rights Activist” the opportunity was taken to highlight the contributions made by some honorees in the sustainable, economic and political achievements of our island. Sincere thanks and appreciation for the recognition given to me as an honoree for activism for which I am humbled and grateful. Congratulations to all the other honorees.
Thanks to H E the Governor ,Mr Tim Foy, Ministry of Social Development, Gender Affairs Co-ordinator Acting, Ms Carencia Rouse, the Hats and Heels Partners for the programme of activities, the sponsors, those who nominated us as honorees.
It was fitting to coincide the global theme and the adapted theme in acting out some of the events during Women’s Week in a gender equality event comprising the men and women in the political campaign in the upcoming General Elections 2020 – Panel Discussion Presentation on Women’s Rights.
Among the other male dominated roles which women now master, History is in the making for gender equality in Anguilla two (2) women politicians deceased – 2015 General Elections three (3) women were elected. The assertiveness of another five (5) courageous younger women who are running for office.
I am pleased to see the involvement and commitment of the women of our churches and other organizations. Also to those who are new in our organizations, as well as those who have labored over the years. I am also excited about those who are becoming young adults and assuming responsibilities on the various auxiliaries and volunteering. Create opportunities to mentor the youth, educate and train them for the job market, so that they can rise up and seek decent employment, offer themselves as volunteers, gain leadership roles and greater levels of commitment.
As citizens in our island and the region, feel a sense of belonging in that you have contributed in some way to our islands’ national and sustainable development over the years.
Contributed By: Mrs Ursil Webster Brooks
President – Soroptimist International of Anguillla
Immediate Past President – Anguilla National Council of Women/
Anguilla National Organization of Women/ANOW
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
