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News : Bahamas Information Services Updates Last Updated: Nov 27, 2009 - 1:12:55 PM


National Women’s Week to commemorate the anniversary of women voting in The Bahamas
By Llonella Gilbert, BIS
Nov 23, 2009 - 11:30:54 AM

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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)

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.



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