Happy New Year to you!
2016 marks a new beginning for The National Council of Women as we continue to address the growing needs of the community we serve. It is also a time for reflection on all that has been accomplished this past year and all we hope to achieve in the future. I must acknowledge the Executive Committee members who have been such a dedicated, passionate, and talented team.
After a dormant period, The Anguilla National Council of Women was re-launched on 15 October 2015 and is in the process of resuming our role as an umbrella organization for the women’s groups in Anguilla and to vigorously advance our objectives:
1. To promote understanding and unity among the women of Anguilla in pursuit of their common objectives, regardless of race, colour or creed.
2. To provide information and assistance to achieve equal status for women in economic, civil, educational and political life;
3. To assist women in becoming involved in both voluntary and income generating activities; and
4. To promote friendly relations, tolerance and understanding among women’s organisations in the island.
Much has been achieved since our inception in 1982 but much still remains to be done to advance the cause of women in our island home. When women’s voices are heard and our needs are met the family and society benefit greatly.
Soon after our re-launch The Anguilla National Council of Women in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Open Campus and the Gender Affairs Unit in the Ministry of Home Affairs marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with a March and a rally on Wednesday 25th November, 2015
2015 has been a testament to the Advocacy work of the Anguilla National Council of Women and other agencies over the years with the passage of the Domestic Violence Act 2015. The People of Anguilla can be assured that our advocacy work in this area will continue as we seek to participate in the practical application of the various aspects of the bill and its impact on families and family life.
A natural adjunct (addition), to the Bill is the urgent establishment of a Family Court. In his congratulatory message on the 10th Anniversary of the Anguilla National Council of Women in 1992, the then Chief Minister Sir Emile Gumbs in response to the National Council of Women’s petition for the setting up of such a Court, wrote “I can assure you that this will be done as a matter of urgency.” The National Council of Women will be partnering with other stakeholders to make the establishment of a Family Court a reality for us in Anguilla.
We urge all Women’s organisations in Anguilla to join the National Council of Women – unity is strength. Together we can achieve our objects to the benefit of our families, our communities and our nation.
“I am a Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.” ?Maya Angelou
A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year to all. God bless you and God bless Anguilla
Hyacinth T. Hughes
Vice President, Anguilla National Council of Women
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
