{"id":242343,"date":"2021-03-08T00:30:07","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T04:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/testwp23.newsmemory.com\/nationnews\/news\/?p=242343"},"modified":"2021-03-08T00:30:07","modified_gmt":"2021-03-08T04:30:07","slug":"contributions-invaluable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationnews.com\/2021\/03\/08\/contributions-invaluable\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Contributions invaluable’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Message for International Women’s Day 2021\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

by Hadford S. Howell MBE JP, Chairman, National Council on Substance Abuse, Barbados<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI am delighted for this opportunity to offer congratulations to women of all walks of life on March 8, the day designated as International Women\u2019s Day (IWD) 2021<\/strong>. Since 1911, IWD has been that day annually when we celebrate and recognise, on a worldwide basis, women\u2019s achievements \u2013 historical, social, familial, cultural, economic and political.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaising awareness of women\u2019s issues \u2013 particularly related to equality, and lobbying for increased gender parity, are also core objectives of IWD. And rightly so. IWD colours are purple (for justice and dignity), green (for hope), and white (for purity).<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s IWD theme is \u201cChoose to Challenge\u201d, while the UN Women\u2019s theme is \u201cWomen in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ongoing pandemic has seen women serve on the forefront of the COVID-19 fight, for example, as health and wellness workers, caregivers to seniors, educators to our schoolchildren, as heads of women\u2019s organisations, across the public service, business sector, and in politics as Heads of Government in a mix of European, African, Asian and Caribbean countries.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere would we be without women? Right here at home in Barbados, our Governor General and Prime Minister are women of great note. In preparation for this year\u2019s IWD message, I reflected on the immense value women have provided (and continue to provide) in our inclusive Barbadian society.<\/p>\n

\u201cA 1985 Pic O De Crop Finals song entitled \u201cWoman\u201d, was performed by renowned calypsonian, Peter \u2018Adonijah\u2019 Alleyne<\/strong>. It contained these chorus lines: \u201cTo me, she is mother of my children, bearer of life, my queen, my friend, my woman, my wife\u2026 come walk with me, hand in hand, to guide the youth into the promise land.\u201d Adonijah also urged us to \u201cshow appreciation, love, consideration, stop the exploitation\u2026 its time to take a stand (because) woman helped to build this nation, she helped it to advance . . . without her, the human race is gone . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdonijah was on point nearly forty years ago. Others who have also recognised the worth of women include our own Rihanna<\/strong>: \u201cThere\u2019s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man\u2019s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and the nerve to never take no for an answer\u201d. Mother Theresa once said: \u201cI alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cSerena Williams has opined: \u2018Every woman\u2019s success should be an inspiration to another. We\u2019re stronger when we cheer each other on\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how can, or should we celebrate IWD 2021? By writing and performing more positive calypsos celebrating women\u2019s successes and contributions to our society? By appointing more senior female business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, church and public service leaders? And what about out invaluable home-makers? As a husband, father and God-father, I remain convinced of the great value of women within our society and welcome scenarios to celebrate female contributions and achievements in Barbados, our Caribbean region and around the world.<\/p>\n

I look no further than to our agency, the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA). The Permanent Secretary from our parent ministry, is female. As is our manager. Sixty and fifty per cent of NCSA staff and board directors are women. The role women play in the NCSA\u2019s ongoing work is hugely valued and, as such, contributes significantly to the output of this important national agency.<\/p>\n

Congratulations again to women everywhere on International Women\u2019s Day 2021<\/strong>. I wish you all continued success, health and happiness for the rest of 2021 and beyond. Stay safe! (PR)<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Message for International Women’s Day 2021\u00a0 by Hadford S. Howell MBE JP, Chairman, National Council on Substance Abuse, Barbados \u201cI am delighted for this opportunity to offer congratulations to women of all walks of life on March 8, the day designated as International Women\u2019s Day (IWD) 2021. 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