PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Mar 8, CMC – The Caribbean only two women heads of government Friday pledged to end violence and discrimination against women in their respective countries as they joined the global community in observing International Women’s Day.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and her Jamaican counterpart, Portia Simpson Miller said the theme to observe the occasion is timely and resonates not only for women but every sector of their countries.
International Women’s Day is being observed under the theme “A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women”.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said that she would continue to use her term in office and position regionally and internationally “to propose, champion and influence policy and decisions targeted to eliminate violence and discrimination against women.
“As Prime Minister, I unequivocally state that violence against women is unacceptable, will not be tolerated and every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators of these acts against the human rights and dignity of women to justice.”
“I extend heartfelt sympathy to the families, here at home, who have lost a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, niece or cousin over the past year through violence. The anguished pleas and stifled screams, the physical and psychological pain of women and girls subjected to violence and abuse must stop now.”
She said her government would continue to review existing legislation on the health care and protection of women and children to ensure compliance with international obligations and best practice.
“Women cannot continue to live in fear for their lives and for that of their children,” she said.
Prime Minister Simpson Miller said that Jamaica cannot ignore the unacceptable and horrible incidents of violence committed against women and children.
“With strong commitment and conviction, ending violence against women is a top priority of my Government. The women of Jamaica are part of the global struggle as for too long women have been victims of violence which impact negatively on their development,” she said.
Prime Minister Simpson Miller said that in many instances, senseless acts of violence, including sexual assaults against women and girls, have rendered many powerless.
“We must never accept, excuse or tolerate any act of violence against our women and girls. After 50 years of nationhood and while we celebrate the accomplishments of our women in so many areas, we must do all that is possible so that our women and girls can fully enjoy the benefits of living in a nation where womanhood is celebrated and gender equality is at the forefront of the national agenda.”
She said she was calling on all Jamaicans to re-affirm “our commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls as well as all other barriers which prevent them from living safe, healthy and productive lives”.
