OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says there is no gender inequality in Trinidad and Tobago.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, on March 8, Persad-Bissessar recognised the strides made by women in Trinidad and Tobago towards achieving progressive, egalitarian status in society.
She said, “In Trinidad and Tobago, women have had it much better than in other nations in our Latin American and Caribbean regions and the wider world, particularly regarding leadership. We have women leaders, role models, and icons in every sphere.
“In our education system, girls continue to outperform boys at most levels, and the tragic reality today is that our young males are the main victims of crime and violence.
“The truth is that the pervasive problems facing our nation today have nothing to do with gender inequality, but rather a crisis of governance.”
The theme designated by the United Nations for this year – ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress, with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment and a campaign theme of Inspire Inclusion.’ Persad-Bissessar reflected on the nation’s achievements in legal, social, and economic gender equality over the past six decades.
Acknowledging the significant opportunities available to women and girls in Trinidad and Tobago, including equal access to education, healthcare, property ownership, and political participation, Persad-Bissessar attributes these advancements to the efforts of past generations who worked tirelessly to overcome oppressive norms.
Drawing attention to the prevalence of women leaders, role models, and icons in the country, Persad-Bissessar noted the educational achievements of girls surpassing boys at most levels, while also addressing the unfortunate reality that young males are disproportionately affected by crime and violence.
Persad-Bissessar contends that the challenges facing the nation stem from a governance crisis, not gender inequality. She called on women to embrace their constitutionally enshrined freedoms.
Rather than engaging in gender blame games or self-victimhood, Persad-Bissessar encourages acknowledging the complementary strengths of both genders. She stresses that a successful society can only be achieved when men and women work together in unity, respecting and relying on each other’s strengths.
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