“LET us work together to build a society and nation that is fair, just, and inclusive for everyone.”
This is the statement made by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the occasion of International Women’s Day today (Wednesday March 8, 2023).
Persad-Bissessar in her message wished best wishes to all women saying that technology was one of the most powerful tools for the advancement of gender equality.
This year’s theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”’ is of particular significance in a world that is emerging from the medical and economic ravages of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, she said.
Persad-Bissessar said the Covid-19 pandemic exposed an ongoing, regressive gender gap that the world continues to grapple with, with women being disproportionately affected by the shift to remote work and online learning.
The digital divide has significant implications for women’s access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Persad-Bissessar said, “It has now, therefore, become imperative for all Governments across the globe, and in Trinidad and Tobago in particular, to ensure that they implement policies as a matter of priority aimed at bridging the digital gender gap in our populations, while simultaneously leveraging technology and innovation to achieve gender equality.”
She said one of her proudest legacies as Prime Minister that is now disbanded was establishing the E-Connect and Learn program that was implemented which ensured that all secondary school students were given a free laptop upon entering Form One.
Persad-Bissessar said, “The fact remains that the only way our country can progress as a democracy is if we create a future where technology is a force for gender equality and empowerment.”
The Opposition Leader pledged to continue working towards ensuring that women have equal access to technology and the opportunities it provided which meant investing in digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and addressing the root causes of the digital gender gap.
Persad-Bissessar said, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I urge every citizen to join me in this noble quest of achieving gender equality in our beloved Trinidad and Tobago. After all, equality of opportunity is essential for human progress and women are unavoidably only the bridge between generations. Therefore, what we invest in women’s development as a society is ultimately the foundation upon which our future generations of both women and men will build.
“Let us, therefore, work together to build a society and nation that is fair, just, and inclusive for everyone, in every sphere of life, for this is truly the greatest legacy we can bequeath to our children and posterity.”
