Today, Monday, 8 March 2010, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), and as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), it is my privilege, honour and pleasure to salute the women and girls of the Caribbean Community on this special occasion.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is mandated by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to establish policies and programmes to promote the development of ... women in the Community with a view to encouraging and enhancing their participation in social, cultural, political and economic activities. This imperative is fundamental to achieving the IWD theme for 2010, “equal rights, equal opportunities and progress for all”.

Fifteen years ago at the Fourth World Conference for Women (FWCW) in Beijing, governments of the Region stood arm in arm with world governments as they pledged to advance equality, development and peace for all women everywhere. Subsequently, this inspired national policies and legislation that affirmed that equality and opportunity are inalienable rights. But as we celebrate this milestone of the Beijing Declaration, it is timely that we reflect on ways to overcome remaining obstacles and new challenges including those relating to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Although inequalities still exist, the CARICOM Region has made significant progress over the last decades in achieving equality between women and men. This is mainly due to legislation, gender mainstreaming, the institutionalisation of gender programmes and a proliferation of studies and policy analyses that have fostered a better understanding of the complementary gender roles. All these have enhanced advocacy by civil society partners, and some extraordinarily committed individuals, some of whom have received the triennial Award for Women and are present with us today.

Globally, also, strides have been made, as symbolised by the 82nd Oscars yesterday when, as a fitting tribute to IWD, Kathryn Bigelow made history by being the first woman ever to win Best Director Oscar for her film, The Hurt Locker which won six awards.

Nevertheless, there is still work to be done to accelerate progress for equality and gender justice. These include but are not limited to: the harmonization of national legislation with international instruments; promotion of secure livelihoods; ensuring access to social protection and strengthening public interventions to address domestic violence.

As we entered 2010, Haiti, the newest member of the Caribbean Community was struck by a most powerful earthquake that wrought extreme destruction and loss of life. Among the many who died were Myriam Merlet, Anne Marie Coriolan, and Magalie Marcelin, three women who fought for justice and empowerment of women in Haiti and were the lynchpins of the fledgling women’s movement in that country. Let us commemorate their lives by pledging to intensify our efforts nationally, regionally and globally to safeguard women’s rights to health, nutrition, safety and dignity. These efforts must be not only for the benefit of those who suffer in the post earthquake period in Haiti but also those that have experienced the trauma of the catastrophe in Chile and vulnerable groups around the World. Let us use this as an occasion to join forces in constructing sustainable programmes to deal with natural disasters and emergencies, taking account of the needs of women and men who suffer forced displacement.

Let us as a Region, resolve to promote “equal rights, equal opportunities and progress for all” by translating the strategic actions of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) into significant actions for women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality.

To all, Happy International Women’s Day!

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org