Speaker of the House of Assembly and President of the Local Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Alix Boyd-Knights has said that though a lot has been achieved by women over the years, there is still much to be done.
With this year’s Commonwealth Day theme “Women Agents of Change,” Boyd-Knights has highlighted what she says is a very low percentage of women in parliament within the Commonwealth.
Her comments came at a special Commonwealth Day Commemoration Service at the Arawak House of Culture yesterday.
“It is being recognized that although over half of the Commonwealth two billion people are women, there are still less women in parliament than men and only six Commonwealth members have met the millennium development goals of three percent females’ representation in parliament,” she stated.
She also mentioned many other challenges faced by women in the Commonwealth.
“Two-thirds of women work part-time, in either seasonal or low paying jobs. One woman every minute dies from complications in pregnancy and child birth and for every 100 of this, 66 are in the Commonwealth. About two-thirds of the 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS in commonwealth countries these are women,” she stated.
She added, “According to the Global Monitoring report 2010 72 million children are still out of school and girls still account for over 54 percent at primary level; and what is more, they are far less likely than boys to attend secondary school.”
The speaker of the house said that while it is time to reflect and examine disadvantageous situations, it is also time to highlight the roles that women have played in the various spheres of life.
She singled out a number of local women who have made significant contributions to the country. They include the late Dame Eugenia Charles and this year’s Calypso Monarch Tasha P.
Entry to the house is based on the democratic process not on affirmative action. You cannot force people to do what they don’t want to do. Also you cannott force women into the process who do not have the apttitude , guts and know how to do what it takes. Politics and governance is serious business not a joke.
If we want to force 50% of women into the house, then lets have 50% gender balance in everything, including the state college, nursing, teaching service, on the jury, construction labourers and even in the beauty pageant for good measure.
Between 2007/2008 she was on the air-waves calling on women to get involve in the political process.I can also remember her saying,
“Not just any woman,but women with integrity who can make a difference, and can be a role model to other women especially the younger ones”.
There will be a higher percentage of women in parliament within the Commonwealth including Dominica. When the WOMEN themselves support candidates like Mrs Pestina.
By the way did madam Speaker supported the leader of the DFP at the last general election?.
AS long as they are not UWP or Freedom
More likeable opportunities will lead to greater interests within the political arena!
I support you 100 percent
i agree with you madam speaker, women need to assert themselves more and let their skills and intelligence show!power to women who can be the best they can and are not kept back by society!
Alix talk to your Labar Daybar Party. They tell you they want more women in their parliament. Ask Armbruise why he block the lady for the last election. He know she would do a better job than he doing. And all of all you back him up. So old speaker, why you didnt put your money where your mouth is and get more women in parliament
If the labour party is all about daybar, wat about the Undivided Wicked Party?
These people boy…and she should be ashamed to even utter the name “Dame Hon. Dr. Mary Eugenia Charles”
We need that old speaker out. Ra ta ta ta tak. Throw that speaker out make it hush it mouth. Plenty bottom no mids and no top….The worst speaker ever ever ever in the house. Leave our Parliament Alix we fed up with the debar and beth you causing.
MY LADY WITH A WOMAN LIKE YOU IN PARLIAMENT ALL OTHER WOMEN IN DOMINICA SHOULD NEVER HEED YOUR ADVICE , BAD EXAMPLE
I feel your pain. How will an average joe like you ever compete with the many bright, educated Dominican women once EQUALITY becomes the order of the day? Chauvinism has no place in a truly democratic society.
JOE? HA HA
Pop-up the volume while Lougawoo dances to the tune; ” Worst Speaker of the House”. How true is it? Whaaaaw! Her actions speak louder than her voice. That’s true!
Firstly, I do not see why people are pushing for more rights for women in the west? Women do have equal rights, in fact, they have more rights than men. Women have been in politics from time memorial iin this country. Alix highlighted Mary Eugenia Charles and Tasha P, how about Michelle Henderson, Ophelia Marie, Justina Charles etc?
I think Alix wants women domination and not ‘rights’ because the laws of Dominica are clear in that regarding womens rights. Women are in the police force, fire service, they drive buses and motorcycles here. what more do you want?
Yes there are challenges facing women, in additon, men are faced with these challenges as well. At times one can never have 50/50. Things must be done proportionately and that is the things of life.
stupes
Well said Muslim,I could not have said it any better. What more do you want? or should all men vacate their jobs sit at home and let the women go out and do their jobs, come on madam speaker let things be.
and which of your many wives would you permit to run elections?
@ Grassroots: My friend, In Islam women play an active role in politics, there are scholars and educated women in diverse fields. I have absolutely no problem if any of my wives wants to go into politics. She will have my full support as long as she does not compromise Islamic principles.