Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Gender and Child Affairs, Ayanna Webster-Roy, has called for all women to empower each other.
She was speaking at an International Women’s Day event held at the Diplomatic Centre, where she joined in celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in Trinidad and Tobago.
“If we are not at the table, then most likely we’re on the menu. So we, all of us, need to be around the table so we don’t become the menu. So let us empower each other. Let us support each other.”
In her opening remarks, Minister Webster-Roy emphasised the importance of having men as allies in the fight against domestic violence, noting the recent introduction of the innovative UMBONO system.
She noted the very innovative Domestic Violence Central Registry System was developed through an IT specialist at the Office of the Prime Minister.
“What that does, it gives us the opportunity to know exactly where to target, how to target, so we create better policies and opportunities for not only those persons who are survivors, but also for those persons who are perpetrators.”
Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Senator Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal, said even her Ministry has been advancing women’s rights through legislation, noting that her office would be meeting with critical women stakeholders seeking assistance to advance their cause.
“We remain open to all women of Trinidad and Tobago, civil societies in particular, who believe that they need the assistance of our office in order to advance a legislative agenda that creates an equal space for women. So that is one thing I can certainly say.”
Minister of Planning and Development, Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, highlighted the progress and the work still needed.
“You know, a lot of women want to get into business, they want to be able to access finance. Then you have the issues of single mothers and, you know, rearing their sons. So yes, I think there’s a lot to do, but I do, I maintain my position that the women of Trinidad and Tobago have done very well.”
Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy reiterated the importance of unity and support among women.
“International Women’s Day for me is about recognising those who laid the foundation, celebrating those who would have given us the opportunity as women in this time to lead, and also recognising the small gains of women, not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but women globally.”
Everyone agreed that the fight for women’s rights and equality is far from over, and it requires the collective effort of all.