Below is a statement from the Dominica Council on Women (DNCW) for International Women Day to be held on March 8, 2016.
An abundance of blessings to brother and Sister Dominicans in celebration of International Women’s Day 2016.
Today DNCW gives thanks to all the women, men, private sector, and public decision makers who are making the humanity of Dominican women a priority. Women in Dominica are stepping up and stepping forward because courageous men are changing biased practices and giving recognition and honour to the fact that women are made in the image of God. We see some positive institutional change and we applaud the men who are leading those institutions and are gate openers. In the same way, that the Dominica National Council of Women makes a lot of noise when women are being disadvantaged, we give thanks to those treating them fairly.
As women get better-paying jobs for which they are qualified, experienced, and have a proven track record, DNCW gives thanks; not for a favour, but because justice is being done.
As more young men, and older men, share the care in family life and create a world where their sons and daughters feel safe, secure and loved, DNCW gives thanks; for the peace and contentment in the souls of our mothers.
Wherever women’s ownership of their bodies is respected, protected, and guaranteed; DNCW gives thanks for positive attitudes and behaviours in Dominican society.
As violence against women is condemned and punished, DNCW gives thanks for the valuable contributions of fair-minded partner organisations in civil society, the private and public sectors that are working to prevent this scourge and to rehabilitate both victims and perpetrators.
As women are supported to assume the highest leadership positions in churches, schools, businesses, and Parliament, to the same extent that they do in households, DNCW gives thanks to those whose confidence in Dominican women allow them to make their make on the international scene.
DNCW knows that all the barriers to women fulfilling their true potential have not been removed. DNCW is mindful that still women confront many struggles in high and low places where the abuse of children is a reality. Women battle poverty daily, dodging harassment at work and elsewhere.
This is why women’s food security is a priority. DNCW is thankful for the success of its women in agriculture initiatives where women can generate incomes while balancing the care of their families. DNCW is grateful to IICA and for the partnership of UN Women in this achievement.
DNCW will continue to acknowledge it’s many collaborating partners: included CariMan, NGO Coalition and Gef.Small Grant to mention a few.
DNCW is also grateful for the collaboration of Lifeline in enforcing a Helpline to assist those in need. We are also partnering with the Bureau of
Gender Affairs to acknowledge women who have excelled and set great examples for their sons and daughters to follow.
On this International Women’s Day we give a big ‘shout out’ to the more than 50% of Dominicans are women; the women who birth and nurture not just the other percent but the entire nation.
Dominica has achieved many firsts for women. Let the world see us Pledge for Parity and Step it Up for Gender Equality.
Anyone who wants to know the status of the women’s movement in Dominica should consider this. The Convent High School, which is an all-girls school, convened a special assembly on 8/3/16 to focus on the empowerment of women and girls. Amazingly, the event featured the music of American singer ‘R.Kelly’. Perhaps, none of the organizers bothered to vet the music for the assembly. Maybe none of them ever googled the name ‘R.Kelly’ followed by the word ‘abuse’. Worst of all, someone with a perverse sense of humor is secretly laughing at the ignorance of the organizers and participants. Go figure!
I am tired of those fancy speeches, I want to know when we will march against the blatant abuse and victimization of women and daughters.
Women value yourselves!!
Women let us stand up against exploitation!!
Down with Sexual Exploitation of our women!!
Aye DNO, when is International Men’s Day?
Google it
When was this statement written. Its silence on the prevailing big issue in Dominica today is deaffening.