March 8, 2017: "Celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) every day of the year, not just on March 8th annually". These were the sentiments of Councillor Dr. Agatha Carrington, Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development as she appeared on the local television talk show, Rise and Shine on Tobago Channel 5 today, March 8 2017. Dr. Carrington was joined by Assemblyman Marslyn Melville Jack, Secretary of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour and Assemblyman Marisha Osmond, Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary, as part of the Tobago House of Assembly’s undertakings to celebrate women on International Women’s Day. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Be Bold for Change”.
Dr. Carrington highlighted some alarming statistics that women need to be “embolden to change”. She shared that in our country “it is estimated that one in every three women has been a victim of domestic or gender-based violence but less than two of every five cases are reported, more than ten thousand women seek restraining orders every year and in the last decade, the police have responded to more than fifteen thousand reports of domestic violence”. She explained that under her stewardship, the Division will place great emphasis on achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Goal # 5, Gender Equality, through targeted public education programmes, meaningful collaborations with necessary stakeholders and the provision of key services to continually protect and empower our women.
Assemblyman Jack continued to encourage women to “be bold and go against the status quo to effect change.” She further asserted that “boldness comes about when women speak up and speak out.” Assemblyman Osmond added “the Government alone cannot eradicate the problems women face, we need a collaborative effort with all sectors of society to empower our women in their communities.” Both Assemblymen called on our men and boys to respect our women and girls. Dr. Carrington concluded “the discourse, lobbying and advocacy on women’s issues should be continuous and not just on March 8th annually…it is only then we will see serious change”.
This media appearance is one of the ways the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development seeks to educate and empower women on our Island. The Division previously collaborated with the Women’s Executive Council of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers and other stakeholders to host a panel discussion on the topic “Elimination of Violence against Women in our Society”. Additional public education programmes will be conducted throughout the next few weeks to continue to educate and empower women on our Island. Happy International Women’s Day to all women and girls!
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For further information please contact:
The Communications Unit
Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development
Tobago House of Assembly
868-639-3395 Ext 7271/7272