by Hon. Dr Dessima Williams, President of the Senate, and Hon. Dr Clarice Modeste-Curwen, Chair, Grenada Women’s Political Caucus
Happy International Women’s Day 2024 to all women at home here in Grenada, Grenadian women abroad and women worldwide.
International Women’s Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a day and time for all to celebrate the indomitable spirit of women, to reflect on ways to continue moving forward and to extend solidarity with all women across the world. It is a time to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women throughout history as well as to underscore the imperatives of collective action towards fostering an inclusive, equitable, and just society for all genders.
As President of the Senate and Chair of the Grenada Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, we re-commit to the rise and leadership of women.
This year, International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder to all to invest in women, especially women’s economic empowerment for their own benefit, and to move Grenada toward greater gender equality.
We commend all women in Parliament for their dedication to passing laws and policies that do not discriminate or minimise women and girls, and for shaping policies that promote gender equity, an end of violence against women and for the increase in and empowerment of women in decision-making roles.
Last October, the Grenada Women’s Parliamentary Caucus hosted a seminar on gender equality for all parliamentarians. The 2-day meeting was designed to improve gender knowledge and understanding among all parliamentarians and to consider draft legislation concerning ending violence against women. The value of that workshop is still being felt.
We congratulate women who own businesses, whose innovation and resilience drive economic growth. Women’s innovation and entrepreneurship create livelihoods for themselves and opportunities for other women and men.
Amidst our celebration, we cannot ignore the harsh and sad reality of violence against women here in Grenada and everywhere, especially in Haiti and in Gaza. Violence is a grave injustice that women in parliament oppose. On this day, let us, women and men, recommit ourselves to ending all forms of violence and discrimination against women and ensure that every system, from family, community and society, is open for women to live free from fear and oppression, and can thrive and transform.
Together, let us recognise the value of women’s leadership, let us invest in women and accelerate progress towards a future where equality and justice prevail for all.