By Ketricia Finch
St. Kitts Reporter
For more than 90 years now, International Women’s Month has been celebrated in March to recognise the outstanding contributions women have made to the community and the nation. History tells that women first became aggressive and determined to obtain the same benefits as males in the working society when more than 15,000 of them protested through the streets of New York City in 1908, hence International Women’s Month commenced on February 28 of the following year.
Today, some women are still facing social, political and religious issues as society refuses to turn its ugly head against the thought that men are superior to women. In some cases, males’ controlling habits tend to get out of order leading them to physically or verbally abuse their spouses, family members or other women around them.
This is what six dedicated professional women had to say to the affected women and their contributions in society.
Sylvine Henry, Teacher – International Woman’s Month is important to me and women could achieve anything. Women must elevate themselves. They must be economically independent because once you are independent, it releases you from all of the other constraints. Women must also seek to become politically involved because if we don’t have access to the power that is in the politics, then there will not be much change. So women, you must run for election. Offer yourselves as candidates. Then once you get that power, you can instill laws and change the lives of women.
Marguerite Foreman, Partner of the Seaton and Foreman law firm– International Women’s Month is important and for a time, women have contributed to the second-class citizen description. This month has helped us to recognise that we have something significant to contribute. It creates a bond of us around the World. I have to pay tribute to my deceased parents because they provided for me a self, happy childhood. My father also told me that there was nothing I could not do. I have a younger brother but he wasn’t paid any more special attention than I was and I think women and girls growing up need to know that they can do whatever they set their minds to. It may be difficult in some instances because it may be a male-dominating environment, but they must persevere. They must speak out if they are being abused and there are people who would listen.
Ingrid Charles Gumbs, Director in the Gender Affairs Ministry – International Woman’s Month is significant because it highlights the contributions that women make to national and international development. When the history of the World is written, very often women’s contributions are left out. Therefore, the month gives us an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women and to make sure that people know women are indeed contributing on a daily basis to the development on our societies and nations. I would tell vulnerable girls in the community that all is not lost. Attach yourself to an adult female who could provide you the encouragement and mentorship that you need. I have been working the teen mothers and I have seen how some of them have come through great difficulty and have made significant achievement. In society there are just some negative people who would try to pull you down but there are still some positive ones who could be of inspiration.
Beverly Herbert, Entrepreneur (Bevon’s Enterprise) – I didn’t know that it was International Woman’s Month but it seems to be important. I started out very small and I got the inspiration from my grandmother. I use to sell vegetables originally and then I branded off into my own business in 2000. I then started out selling phone cases and as the years went by, there was greater demand. So I sell much more phone accessories now. Sometimes I don’t be familiar with some of the stuff I sell, but by listening to my customers and learning when I go out to shop I simply ask for them based on what I hear.
Sheschel Blackmoore, Manager of the Polo Company – I think it is very important to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of our women. Back in the days, women weren’t as educated and successful as the men. Women have taken it to another level where and now, not only are we house wives but we have positioned ourselves in society to do high-paying jobs just as men. Being a manager it’s not at all easy. I didn’t get my position by lowering myself. I owned it through hard work, patience, the right mind and attitude. The thought of women out there prostituting themselves and the thought of having to wait on a man is just wrong. Be different and be someone that others will look up to.
Charlotte Salters, Field Officer in the Ministry of Gender Affairs – Women have made significant contributions over the years and International Women’s month has highlighted our work and contributions to society in numerous ways. The recognition of these women would value their contribution to the general public. I do community work and that experience helped me to construct young minds into positive thinkers in society, especially the boys. Today there is much negativism, especially the male population. I would like to see more males being involved in community service. Males such should be responsible of nurturing these young growing boys as well, but instead of that they won’t make themselves available. There should not be an addition at the prison.
