Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Development the Hon Loretta Butler-Turner (left) talks about the events plants for National Women’s Week at a press conference on Wednesday. Also pictured: Mavis Johnson-Collie, National Women’s Advisory Member and Member of the National Women’s Week Planning Committee (centre); Patricia Morley, President, National Organization of Women in The Bahamas and Lynn Symonette, Co-Chair, National Women's Week. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas -- This
year’s National Women’s Week marks the 47th anniversary
of women voting in The Bahamas and each year the Week commemorates the
anniversary of women voting.
Minister of State for Labour
and Social Development the Hon Loretta Butler-Turner at a press conference
announcing on Wednesday plans for the week explained the history of
women being able to vote in The Bahamas.
The votes for Women Act, 1961,
under the provisions of the General Assembly Elections Act, came into
force on June 30, 1962, she said.
“On November 26, 1962 the
first woman voted in The Bahamas. The enfranchisement of Bahamian women
marked a proud new day for women in our country.”
She noted that National Women’s
Week is also set aside to celebrate the many achievements of women over
the years.
“It is an opportune time
to take an introspective look at our present status as women and recommit
to our future goals.”
The theme for the Week this
year is “Women Helping Women: The Power of Sisterhood” and the Bureau
of Women’s Affairs organisations the events to take place during the
week. It starts Sunday, November 22 to Saturday, November 28.
This the Bureau and the National
Organization of Women’s Associations in The Bahamas (NOWAB), which
is celebrating its ninth anniversary, has collaborated with the Bureau
to combine their celebrations.
NOWAB is an umbrella organization
functioning as the leading voice for issues affecting people, through
women’s associations and affiliates in The Bahamas including government
and non-government organizations and institutions.
Mrs Butler-Turner said while
many women have achieved success there are more ceilings to be broken
by women.
“If you look at the legislative
make-up of our Bahamas today, it is still hugely male dominated, so
if women want to be a part of the decision making process, then they
have to ensure they get around the table so their voices are more equally
heard.”
Mavis Johnson-Collie, National
Women’s Advisory Member and Member of the National Women’s Week
Planning Committee said women could only move up the corporate ladder
or politically if they “are ceased with the appropriate level of knowledge”.
She encouraged women from around
the country to attend the workshops being held for the week to help
gain the knowledge they need to make those moves.
A church service to be held
at Hillview Seventh Day Adventist Church will start of the week of activities,
Sunday, November 22.
NOWAB will host a banquet to
honour 12 outstanding women that have contributed to the implementation
of the organization as well as support the Bureau of Women’s Affairs,
Saturday, November 28.
They are Jane Adderley, Gina
P. Morley, Marjorie Davis, W. Patricia Morley, Juanianne Dorsette, Dr
Gloria Ferguson, Kathy Hassan, Marina Pinder, Dr Marina Sands, Joyce
Taylor, Telator Strachan, Alma Thompson and Alma Trotman.
Workshops will also be hosted
during the week with the Urban Renewal Liveable Program. The workshops
will take place in communities around New Providence and the Family
Islands.
There will also be a health
fair at the Main Post Office, East Hill Street, Friday, November 28.
