By Anastasha Elliott
“We are motivated. We can do anything. We are not going anywhere,” were said by a panel of the International Women’s Month Committee on Wednesday on one of the Federations’ leading radio stations.
On Wednesday March 8 the Federation was abuzz with the empowerment of women as the island celebrated International Women’s Day, which was established in 1977 and promotes equality for women.
Radio station WINNFM devoted the morning’s edition of its popular programme ‘Voices’ to women.
A panel led by the programmes’ moderator Toni Frederick spoke of issues confronting women in society today.
The panel made up of Cassandra Chapman of the Women’s Network, Captain D. McCartney Captain at the Salvation Army and two Peace Corp representatives; Andrea Silver and Sally Howard addressed the lack of women in politics, as the region hums with the election of Jamaica’s second female Prime Minister.
The Federation to date has had two female politicians in the form of Consie Mitcham of the People’s Action Movement and Jacinth Henry Martin of the St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party.
The panel whose members make up the Organising Committee of the International Women’s Month said that since then it seems the Federation has taken a step back, where women in politics is concerned.
The People’s Action Movement however, has brought forward Janelle Rawlins as another female politician.
The country however, has never had a female Prime Minister.
During the two hour long discussion, one local man called into the station and suggested the creation of an all-female political party.
The Ministry of Gender Affairs in a recent press release made a statement agreeing with one of the ideas of the panel. It said that St. Kitts and Nevis have made strides in every developmental area except the area of political decision making.
Many paid tribute to single mothers, and acknowledged the fact that it is not easy raising children single handedly and congratulated all the mothers who have done so successfully.
One of the panel members stated that women are not trying to say get rid of the men, they are trying to promote equal opportunity for women.
“The men need to participate,” the panel said. They agreed that “it is not just for the women or the men alone to do but for them to do together.”
Issues facing women included that of abuse — sexual, emotional, mental and physical — the lack of the feeling and practice of sisterhood among women; the demoralisation of women; lack of fathers to help in the homes; the lack of a voice for women and lack of a listening ear.
The need to be your sisters keeper, the need of a safe haven and support for abused women, the need to expose violence against women instead of hiding it, self esteem issue among women, self worth, the need for women to be given the same opportunities in their daily lives as those given to men, and the realisation of strength of women within the Federation were further issues raised.
To combat the issue of abuse, the Captain of the Salvation Army Church said, “exposure is closure once it is done properly.”
Cassandra Chapman of the Women’s Network made a call to anyone who may have a building that can be donated, leased or held in trust that they could use as a hospice. Where abused women and children and even men can go to for save haven when needed.
Another panel member suggested the need for the establishment of a support system for abused women, and the possible need to look at the law as it relates to the protection and prosecution of the men or persons responsible for abusing their women and children.
Chapman, informatively explained, “a society is like the wings of a bird. If one wing is heavier than the other or is stronger than the other or one is weaker than the other is the bird cannot fly. But if both wings are equal then like the bird the society will fly.”
The International Women’s Committee has planned several events in celebration of international Women’s Month.
They include; a Fun Health Walk from Cayon to Basseterre on Saturday March 18, at the end of which, would be a rally in the Independence Square. On March 20, an International Women’s Awards Ceremony to be held at FND by the Department of Gender Affairs where women will be awarded for the work they have done.
On March 22, a health screening for women with heart disease will be held at Government Headquarters. The Committee revealed that personnel from the Baptist Hospital in Florida would be on island specially to screen those who come to be screened.
Later that day a Red Heart Luncheon would be held at OTI and on March 27 Arts Arise will be held at BET Soundstage.
The Months’ activities will conclude with a Women’s Exposition at the Treasury Apron with performances by the Majorettes, drummers, and dancers in addition to the viewing of a documentary on Women of Sugar and a fashion show.
The Exposition will look at certain areas concerning women, such as health, career, social services and finance. Internationally Women’s Week will be held from March 12 – 18.
