As we come to the end of yet another year, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the year past and the year to come. We reminisce on where we came from, what we have done, where we are going and what we have learnt as we put a plan of action in place to achieve these goals.
As women, we are the very backbones of society; we are often the decision-makers, breadwinners, mothers, housekeepers, teachers, business owners, etc. Women are the most fundamental instrument in any civilized society, a symbol of growth and future. Embracing our roles within our various communities promotes the development of every sector that makes up our societies. Whether religious, financial, personal, or political, women play a major role.
As an organization, we [BPW] advocate for women, youth and children regardless of their age, therefore; I encourage all of us, as 2019 is coming to a close; to focus not on the past months but on the months ahead and how we as women and men alike can shape a positive and brighter future for ourselves and our communities.
Some may ask, do we really have a voice, and what can we do with that voice to positively impact our societies? Who are our targets? What can be heard from our voices? Is it noise, a resounding symbol or is it building tools to uplift others and place them at positions of
influence, where they too can make a difference, through their experiences, character, attitude and actions?
BPW Dominica Chapter operates on a small island that is very much driven by politics and religion. However, this does not stop us from reaching milestones such as Gender Equality.
We currently have eight women who will serve in parliament out of an eighteen-member cabinet of Ministers. Dominica has positioned itself to champion the cause and be one of the Caribbean islands that have broken the gender equality barrier and place women in the
same bracket as men. This is also very apparent within our field of work where we have a number of women holding CEO positions at the top level cooperatives, businesses and firms.
Dominica deserves a ‘hats off’ and accolades for allowing their women equal opportunity, equal pay and equal rights as men to build and develop.
Dominica has come a long way from the ravages of Hurricane Maria. We have shown resilience, stamina, and the zeal to press forward and we have managed to bounce back quickly and persist to rebuild the country, thus continuing and improving its habitability.
As we enter 2020, we will continue to administer our mandate towards “Empowering Women to Realize the Sustainable Development Goals”. How will we contribute to this calling? We will achieve this goal by creating leaders out of our women, reaching them at
their levels and working with them to understand and bring forth the many hidden gifts and abilities that they possess.
We shall continue to drive our women to accept themselves as precious treasures, priceless assets, strong-willed, encouraging them to take a stand for what is right. In 2020, much like in 2019, we, as an organization, will continue to stand up against violence against women and children, violence of all forms, especially the trend of verbal abuse, as we have learnt that there is no truth to the saying “stick and stones may break my bones but words can do me no harm”. We have learnt that words do have power and can be the most violent
form of abuse and the most difficult to cure.
So, in 2020, we, as BPW Dominica, say “NO to Violence of any kind against our women and children”. As we stand in solidarity with our sisters across the region, it is our goal to have the laws across the Caribbean islands amended, that Verbal Abuse which includes slandering of
others character, be seen as a chargeable offence and punishable by law. The rights and protection of our children both male and female is an alarming concern and more measures will be taken to fight on behalf of our children. We say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH we are
STANDING UP and SPEAKING OUT.
So let’s break the silence. Speak up for what is right; speak up for those who are too afraid to speak out for themselves. It is time that we learn to be each others’ keeper.
A blessed 2020 to all and let’s rally together as one family and stamp out all forms of violence within our region.
Cheers!! Here’s to a successful year ahead. Happy New Year!
Since you all are speaking up now, why don’t you go a step further for the sake of our country, and demand electoral reform, accounts for the CBI program and PetroCaribe from the dictator. I guess that is for various reasons a bit to hot for all you. Is his wife perhaps a member of your organisation? Perhaps you are scared of him? Just asking.
While I support the advancement of women in every aspect of society, both in Dominican and abroad, some of the statements you made seem to diminish the role and importance of men. We should all work together for the benefit of each other.
That statement does not make any sense to me: “Women are the most fundamental instrument in any civilized society, a symbol of growth and future.” Advocating for the advancement of women does not require you to marginalize the role of men.
Zandoli this does not diminish the role of men in any way shape or form. All the “rights” you all accepting as norm and all the “tolerance” while feminizing and emasculating of men is what you should be concerned about.
Well said, well drafted, well presented, well received: I therefore urge all women, men, children, adults, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives etc to read this fully and discuss within your families and friends and professional colleagues and our immature government ministers, from top to bottom.. This will be helpful,, to wipe away political ignorance
So, in 2020, we, as BPW Dominica, say “NO to Violence of any kind against our women and children”. As we stand in solidarity with our sisters across the region, it is our goal to have the laws across the Caribbean islands amended, that Verbal Abuse which includes slandering of
others character, be seen as a chargeable offence and punishable by law. The rights and protection of our children both male and female is an alarming concern and more measures will be taken to fight on behalf of our children. We say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Well said “Rhoda St. John”. Well written & shared article. This is needed. Next topic matter is “Abuse of the…