As I sit at my desk on this International Women’s Day, 8 March 2022, I am in the midst of putting the final touches on what will be my last time spearheading Women’s Week for the island of Anguilla. I have tendered my resignation as Gender Development Coordinator effective 2 May 2022. If you are reading this letter, I would hope that you have been impacted in some positive way by the work of Gender Affairs Anguilla whether personally or as an indirect beneficiary.
When I accepted the position as the first Gender Development Coordinator for Anguilla in 2014, I had high hopes and goals of expanding the great work that so many notable Anguillians established through the Women’s Desk and various national Women’s Organisations. My task was to create a Gender Affairs Unit and implement an equality and equity focus into all systems throughout the island. I am pleased to say that a number of important achievements occurred, impactful initiatives were instituted and strong partnerships were forged over the past eight years.
It was my pleasure assisting with the passage of the island’s first Domestic Violence Act, securing the extension of the United Nations Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (UN CEDAW) to Anguilla, in collaboration with Her Majesty’s Governor’s Office in Anguilla, and implementing Women’s Week, Men’s Week and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. My goal in Anguilla has always been to play an essential part in solving critical humanitarian issues facing the island while recognising the beauty of – and utilising the strength of – the people.
I appreciate each professional relationship that was established locally, regionally and globally including collaborative efforts with various government departments, the private sector of Anguilla, non-profit organisations and foundations and a strong regional connection with United Nations Women Multi-Caribbean Office, United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Caribbean Development Bank and the Pan American Health Organisation.
In addition to work in Gender, I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the Government of Anguilla in the capacity of Acting Labour Commissioner, Acting Deputy Labour Commissioner and Acting National Protocol Director. At this point in time, I must continue moving up and reaching newer heights in my professional career. It is critical for me to use my existing and recently developed skills to impact another project or venture and see its success from vision inception to mission realisation. I look forward to expanding my portfolio and undertaking new challenges in public administration and policy, international social work, business operations, or any other area fitting for my interests and expertise.
Most importantly, I believe that it is time to provide a space for an individual with fresh ideas and a strong passion for Gender Affairs to have the opportunity to build and shape Gender Affairs Anguilla into what he or she identifies is needed for the island. There is a quote by Sylvester Stallone that I think is very fitting. Stallone says, “I’m always looking for a new challenge. There are a lot of mountains to climb out there. When I run out of mountains, I’ll build a new one.” May God grant each of us the drive to continue building, renewing and achieving success. Let us focus on creating a better life position for all men, women, girls and boys across the island.
Best,
Dr. Ronya Foy Connor
Gender Development Coordinator
