News

PNM calls for fairness, equity in International Women’s Day message

Loop News

March 8, 2019 4:53 PM ET

3 mins read

The People’s National Movement (PNM) is calling for more equity for women across all spheres of society in its International Women’s Day message.

This year’s theme is ‘Balance for Better’ as the world recognises women on March 8.

In a statement issued on Thursday, PNM PRO Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing says the party is proud of the current and past achievements made for women in Trinidad and Tobago but says a lot more must be done for T&T to become a society where women have equal opportunity, equal pay for work, equal rights and equal justice.

Pointing out individual women who have made great strides for the country, Lezama-Lee Sing says while this is commendable, there is still a ways to go.

“Our women have done marvelous things – Her Excellency, President Paula Mae Weekes is our first female Head of State; Ms. Isabel Teshea was the first female Member of Cabinet; both Houses of Parliament, as well as the Tobago House of Assembly, are presided over by women, namely Speaker of the House the Hon. Bridgid Annisette George, President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Christine Kangaloo and Presiding Officer of the THA Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus. Twin sisters Kathy and Karen Norman, band leaders of K2K Alliance have, just 2 days ago, captured the first ever Overall Band of the Year title; Michelle Lee Ahye secured our country’s first female gold medal in track; pioneers such as Calypso Rose (Calypso), Paula Lucie Smith (ALTA), Joyce Wong Sang (Best Village), Salisha Ali (Broadcast) have made indelible marks in their respective fields, and many other scholars, entrepreneurs, innovators and movers and shakers are women. Still, there is need for a better balance in many spheres of society, in workplaces and at the home.”

Addressing the call to action, the PNM PRO says it is not solely for women, but rather, is a call for all nationals to heighten their own awareness of overlooked and disregarded biases and prejudices.

“When as a nation, we agree to balance for better, we as a people will be better, stronger, more resilient and well on the path to progress,” she said.

Lezama-Lee Sing says as T&T commemorates this celebration and recognition of women, the PNM thanks the women of our nation for their dedicated service to country, their communities and families.