The Tribune

THE Ministry of Social Services and Community Development announced National Women’s Week and officially introduced its newest director to the public during a press conference on Monday.

Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin proudly shared plans for this year’s National Women’s Week with a room full of stakeholders in women’s affairs and members of the press.

This national week of celebrations is held annually to mark the achievements of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, the anniversary of the right of the Bahamian woman to participate in the electoral process, and to honour the “quiet revolution” that ultimately played a significant part in the struggle for Majority Rule and eventual independence.

Gaynel Curry was introduced as the new director of the newest department in the ministry - the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, formerly the Bureau of Women’s Affairs. This new, expanded division will not only focus on women, but will consider every man, woman and child, taking a holistic look at the family and improving family life in the Bahamas.

Ms Curry held an interactive meeting with stakeholders after the press conference and pledged to work closely with the relevant organisations throughout the country to help improve the lives of Bahamians.

Mrs Griffin called on the public to participate, not only in commemoration of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, but in honour of this year’s theme: “Promoting Women as Equal Partners with Men in National Development.”

“The importance of the active engagement of every woman, man, boy and girl, cannot be underestimated as we collectively heal and grow this nation,” she said.

This approach is consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which emphasise the critical role of inclusion and partnerships in the development process. A sense of shared responsibility, she said, is crucial to integrated socioeconomic development in the Bahamas.

“Strong families are built on sustained support systems; vibrant and healthy relationships; respectful community engagement and outreach; and solid spiritual grounding,” said Mrs Griffin.

“When our families are strong, our communities are strong. When our communities are strong, the foundation of our nation is strong. The new department will be working to diligently promote these values.”

Today, Mrs Griffin will bring opening remarks at the launch of a course for Leadership for Women in Decision-Making at the Bishop Michael Eldon Complex, University of The Bahamas, at 5.30pm.

On Sunday, November 20, the start of National Women’s Week will be commemorated at a special church service at Mt Tabor Church, Pinewood Gardens at 10am.

The public is encouraged to attend an Interactive Dialogue on Monday, November 21 at the Performing Arts Centre, University of The Bahamas from 6pm to 8pm which will address this year’s theme.

The ministry will then join in with the Zonta Club for its forum on Thursday, November 24, which will launch 16 days of activism. The club will host its forum at the School of Nursing Auditorium, Grosvenor’s Close at 10am under the theme: “Zonta Says No To Violence against Women Forum.” This will be followed by an orange ribbon-tying initiative on Bay Street, beginning at the Hilton Hotel.

Ministry officials will head off to Abaco and Exuma during National Women’s Week, and will return to the capital for a festive cultural evening on November 25. The event will take place at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, West Hill Street from 6pm-8pm.

During this event, the winners of the “Orange Your Office” campaign in recognition of the International Day to End Violence Against Women will be announced. Organisations wishing to participate in the competition are encouraged to contact the ministry as soon as possible.

National Women’s Week ends with a march and fun run/walk on Sunday, November 26. The march begins at 8am at the University of The Bahamas field near the Portia Smith building.