The UNC National Women’s Arm has condemned what it called “the disgraceful and shameful attacks” directed at Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC and Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin during Saturday’s African Emancipation Day celebrations.
In a statement on Monday, the organisation said it rejects “the disturbing pattern” where women in public life are “targeted with hostility, ridicule and intimidation simply because they choose to lead”.
It said: “Too often, women are expected to endure abuse in silence while standards of civility are discarded for political theatre.”
The statement added: “We condemn, without reservation, the disgraceful treatment meted out to Minister Michelle Benjamin while she was delivering her address during the Emancipation Walk. As a woman serving her country with distinction, she deserved the courtesy and respect afforded to every public official, regardless of political affiliation. Instead, she was subjected to behaviour designed to intimidate, disrupt and humiliate.”
The Women’s Arm also said the booing that erupted following the announcement that the Prime Minister would not be attending the Emancipation celebration at the Queen’s Park Savannah was “equally unacceptable”.
“Such behaviour was not merely disrespectful to Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC as an individual—it was an affront to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Office of the Prime Minister transcends partisan politics and must be treated with the dignity and respect it deserves. Those who participated in or encouraged this display should reflect carefully on the message they have sent to the nation, particularly on a day dedicated to celebrating freedom, respect and human dignity.”
The organisation also sought to clarify the Prime Minister’s absence from the Queen’s Park Savannah event.
“The Prime Minister’s absence from the Savannah was not an absence from Emancipation Day. She honoured the occasion by participating in other Emancipation activities, demonstrating her continued commitment to recognising and celebrating this important chapter in our nation’s history.”
The UNC Women’s Arm said its members will not be intimidated and rejected the notion that strong women should be shouted down, bullied or disrespected because they occupy positions of leadership.
“Political differences must never become an excuse to disrespect women, undermine national institutions or diminish the significance of occasions intended to unite our people.”
The statement concluded with a message to those who seek to silence women in leadership.
“To those who believe these shameful tactics will silence women, our message is simple: You have underestimated us. Women have fought too long and too hard for equality, representation and respect to be driven into silence by intimidation. We are strong. We are resilient. We are united. And whenever one woman is attacked for serving her country, all women have a duty to stand with her.”