The CARICOM Secretariat is honoured and privileged to salute the women of the Caribbean Community on the occasion of International Women’s Day, as we unite to celebrate the empowerment of women and advancements made towards gender equality. This year’s theme focuses on access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology, including the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. This day affords us the opportunity to reflect on the gaps to be addressed in order to achieve a deeper and more meaningful sense of social justice, equal rights and dignity for all.

Gender stereotypes continue to permeate our societies. They are manifested and imposed in myriad ways within homes, schools and through other institutions. Fortunately, these issues of equality of opportunity in education and training, including science, technology and innovation are being addressed at the Regional level as well as at the international level including the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The continued implementation of these frameworks will contribute to developing competencies required for the emerging workforce. We must nevertheless remain vigilant in ensuring that our human resource development efforts provide equal access to training and decent work for girls and women.

The CARICOM Advocate for Gender Justice, Dr. Rosina Wiltshire, appointed one year ago today, continues her advocacy for the cause of gender equality.

We salute the sterling actions and contributions of the many women who laid strong foundations for the principles of equality and justice in our societies and to the overall development of our Region in all spheres of life. The personal histories of these trailblazers are a source of inspiration, especially to young girls as they define their paths to success that best fit their values and aspirations.

In this the centennial year of the observance of International Women’s Day, CARICOM Heads of Government will bestow the Tenth CARICOM Triennial Award on an outstanding CARICOM woman whose work has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the Region. Nine exceptional women have been honoured to date through this award and we look forward to welcoming the next recipient to this League.

To all, Happy International Women’s Day!

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org