On Monday March 8, International Women’s Day, Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, joined the Department of Gender Relations in recognizing the efforts of Female Frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2021; “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” called to attention not only the impact that the global pandemic was having on women, but also the role they were playing in the rebuilding efforts.
Dr. Rigobert applauded the Saint Lucian Women Frontline Workers; “for showing resilience, courage and understanding as they continue to persevere during this pandemic and in the face of inequality”.
In her International Women’s Day message Dr. Rigobert underscored the existence of inequalities which remain hindrances to bringing about a more gender neutral society.
“Inequality is the problem of the world – whether it is inequality on the basis of race, socio-economic status, education, age, gender or disability; inequality is the problem of the world. Achieving an equal future is no easy feat, but it is what reason tells us ought to be. Women and men are equally represented on the planet. Indeed gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the fifth of seventeen sustainable development goals, is indispensable and interlinked with every other goal if indeed we must achieve a sustainable future,” Dr. Rigobert said.
“In the last twelve months the world has had a rare opportunity to share a singular focus – fighting a deadly virus, of pandemic proportion. What started as a health crisis, quickly unfolded into an economic crisis, and in a matter of months the world was brought to its knees – women, men, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, we all faced the same existential threat. That shared experience revealed a simple but extremely profound reality: we all have an equal share in this world,” the Minister went on to say.
Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert underscored the fact that all over the world, women accounted for the highest number of workers directly involved in managing the health crisis.
“To all the women of Saint Lucia: The over three quarters of the health and social work sector that are women: We appreciate what you do, to the women proudly bearing the triple burden of care in your homes, communities and workplaces: we value what you do. To the women who are drawing water from the moon, it seems: the epitome of resilience – we see you; we hear you and stand with you. To the women whose unheard cries are deafening, the women who continue to be subject to abuse – you are not forgotten. Relief is coming. To the women who are regarded by our society as less than or not enough or put down in any way form or fashion, be comforted in knowing who and whose you are. To the girls who had to grow up too soon because of this era: the future is yours. You will be the ones inheriting the gains we are trying to make through this process. We are trying to guarantee you the equal future that you deserve,” said Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert.
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