|
From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Local
Nassau, Bahamas - This week, the country observes the magnanimous achievements of the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the right for women in the Bahamas to vote with National Women’s Week. It’s an opportunity for all women in the country to be reminded of their worth and the valuable contributions they can make to nation building. The
Women’s National Advisory Council is playing an active role in the week
of events, ensuring that the public knows of its role and capacity in
helping the women of The Bahamas. While honouring 54 years since the achievement of the right of Bahamian women to vote, Marisa Mason-Smith,president of the Council, took the time out to explain the council’s role and functions. It serves as an umbrella organisation of sorts, bringing together women from all walks of life, representing a variety of women’s groups and civic groups throughout the country, The come together for monthly meetings, to keep abreast of the state of women in the country.
The National Women’s Advisory Council is an appointed body established to advance women’s affairs and social matters in the Bahamas. “We seek to advance the status of women and improve the lives of women and girls as well,” said Mason-Smith. “We advise the Minister on national and social events going on in the country. Every month we come together to discuss general issues and we have speakers of interest to educate, empower and inform on matters taking place in the country. We did a lot of information-sharing earlier this year, hosting sessions on parenting, nutrition, and family life.” Mason-Smith believes the group is effective, noting that there are many women’s associations, civic organisations and NGOs represented, each having their own concerns and constituents. Each of them have a voice during meetings, and share ideas and opinions with each other to help improve the lot of all. They take note of the needs of women in the society and advise the ministry on the status of women, while suggesting how their lives can be improved. The Council provides advice and guidance to the Minister on the revision or amendment of any legislation that may affect women, hence, representing “a voice for all women” in the country. “There is a great need for employment for our women,” says Mason-Smith. “The biggest concern right now is economic empowerment and the advancement of women in industry.” “More and more people are talking about family life and returning to the values we once had,” she added. The Council is currently looking at how to reduce the unemployment rate for Bahamian women, and how to reduce the social ills in the country. It has advised on projects and programs that are currently in use to assist with skills training for unemployed women. “Persons are looking for a better life in terms of reducing poverty; we are trying to get women empowered so they can take care of their families,” she said. “Crime is a big concern,” she added, “The Ministry of Social Services is doing a great job in trying to minimise and eradicate this through their outreach programs.” The National Women’s Advisory Council once made its recommendations to the Bureau of Women’s Affairs. That Bureau has been dissolved and replaced with an entire department with a broader scope. Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin recently announced the new Department of Gender and Family Affairs, which will look at the roles of both women and men. The newly-formed department also welcomed a new Director, Miss Gaynel Curry, who comes with a wealth of knowledge on social and gender issues on a national and international level. Mason-Smith said the council’s directory has been revamped and revised to include even more organisations, and she encourages all non-registered NGOs, groups and associations to become registered. Oftentimes, because these groups are not registered, she said, they are not privy to many advantages that have been created for them. Being registered with the council opens up many possibilities for women-cantered groups, including special funding from groups such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank and other entities. “They also become a part of a network that provides technical and human resources support, so they should register and become a part of our monthly meetings,” she advised. The Council includes members such as the Vice President Rev. Sabrina Pinder, Rev. Marina Sands, Cyprianna Bethel, Adeline Hanna, Sabrina Francis, Michelle Fields, Carlotta Burns, Maudlin Cooper, Rev.Ferguson and other leaders in the community. Leaders of women’s civic and political groups are also represented. Mason-Hanna’s presidency has been multi-faceted, as she also served as the past president for the Zonta Club - an institution known for the empowerment of women. She encourages all Bahamians to participate in the series of events being held this week, hosted by the Ministry of Social Services & Community Development. On Wednesday evening, Minister Melanie Griffin will bring remarks at the opening of a special course at the University of The Bahamas called “Leadership for Women in Decision-Making”. The opening event will be held at the Bishop Michael Eldon Complex at 5:30pm. On Thursday, November 24, the Zonta Club will host: “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women” forum at the School of Nursing Auditorium, Grosvenor Close at 10am. This will be followed by an orange ribbon-tying event on Bay Street, beginning at the Hilton Hotel. Ministry representatives will head to Abaco and Exuma for events to commemorate National Women’s Week before returning to the capital for a special cultural evening on Friday, November 25. The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas will be the venue for “Women in the Arts… an Evening of Cultural Performances” from 6-8pm. The winner of the “Orange your Office” campaign in recognition of the International Day to End Violence Against Women will be announced at this event. The national week of events will culminate with the National Women’s Day March/ Fun Walk & Celebration on
Saturday, November 26. The March begins at
8am
at the University of The Bahamas near the Portia Smith Building; it
heads on to Nassau Street, Meeting Street, Blue Hill Road and Poinciana
Drive before returning to UB for celebrations and historic speeches from
9am - noon.
|
