NYCD: National Youth Council message on Women’s Day

International Women’s Day 2018 Message, Female CARICOM Youth Ambassador: Annelle Lewis

As a young woman my success has been as a direct result of my ability to access quality education and social, economic and political inclusion. As such I applaud the efforts locally for gender parity. However, many women cannot say the same as there are still gaps in Dominica and all over the world.

A positive environment has allowed me to press for progress and I would like to continue to do the same in my new capacity as Dominica’s representative in the CARICOM Youth Ambassadorial Program.  Whereby together with my regional colleagues we can advance gender base issues in our respective countries and the region as a whole.

Women as a demographic dividend holds the very foundation of our societies but too often they fall victim to dishonourable human instincts such as Domestic Violence, Harassment in the Work Place, Unfair treatment as regards employment be it salary scales or promotions etc.  We have come a long way for our rights to be heard. I am of the firm opinion that we are both at the cross roads and the cross fire as this century begins to unfold.

We applaud the efforts of all national stakeholders such as D.N.C.W and the NGOS Coalition, Bureau of Gender Affairs, VF Inc, Leve Dominique and the many others who are at the forefront of both acting and advocating for women’s right.

On this occasion of International Women’s Day, I wish to take the opportunity in my capacity of as Dominica’s female CARICOM Youth Ambassador and Executive member of the National Youth Council to wish every woman nationally, regionally and internationally Happy International Women’s Day. May your successes as a woman flourish and your weaknesses conquered. I encourage you to Press for Progress towards achieving gender parity wherever you are.

See more posts on the National Youth Council Page.