St Kitts and Nevis: PM Harris honours deserving awardees on International Women’s Day

Every year, on March 08 2022, International Women's Day is celebrated across the globe, and this year, it is celebrated under the theme 'Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.' 

St Kitts and Nevis: PM Harris honours deserving awardees on International Women's Day
St Kitts and Nevis: PM Harris honours deserving awardees on International Women's Day

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris attended the 2022 International Women’s Day Awards Ceremony being held at the National Heroes Park on Tuesday, March 08, 2022. PM Harris presented the awards named Prime Minister’s Award to the women who have significantly contributed to nation-building.

Prime Minister Harris was also joined by the Minister of Gender Affairs Eugene Hamilton and other Cabinet ministers in the ceremony where Hamilton also addressed the gathering and entitled the contribution of women in the society.

Every year, on March 08, 2022, International Women’s Day is celebrated across the globe, and this year, it is celebrated under the theme ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.’ 

At this year’s ceremony, seven women are being recognized for their outstanding contributions in the areas of science, the digital, blue and green economies, and in the Federation’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. 

Dr Timothy Harris also presented the Prime Minister’s Award to Hildred Carey, who belongs to Tabernacle village – a well-deserving recipient and significantly contributed in the different fields. 

While attending the ceremony and wishing all the awardees, PM Harris said, “At today’s (March 08) International Women’s Day Awards ceremony at the historic National Heroes Park. Congratulations to Ms Hildred Carey and all the other recipients”. 

PM Harris lauded the women, emphasized the importance of gender equality, and noted that Breaking the bias means ending stereotypes and discrimination. It means women at the table bringing equity, diversity, equality and inclusivity. 

He also stressed the role of women in the sports field and stated that breaking the bias means a woman’s role is valued. So, Let’s celebrate our elected women in Sport!!

“More power to our womenfolk. The world needs gender balance, sensitivity and equality”, underscored prime minister. 

Further, the Minister of Social Development and Gender Affairs, Eugene Hamilton, also addressed the ceremony and stressed that women still witnessed the socio-economic barriers in the society, which halted the gender equality and the role of single mothers in Caribbean households. 

He further emphasized that this is the necessity of an hour to promote Gender Equality and the campaign of breaking the bias. 

Outlining the importance of Gender Equality, the minister exclaimed that Gender Equality is important for the Sustainable Development Goal as Gender Equality is not just a fundamental right but a foundation of a peaceful and prosperous world. It is not a women’s issue but a human rights issue that fully engages men and women. This year’s theme focuses on the contributions of women and girls in building a more sustainable future for all, particularly in the areas of climate change adaptation, mitigation and response.

“The national statistics indicated that around 50 percent of all households have been run by single mothers, and women have faced multiple forms of discrimination as they were being suppressed economically, including women living with disabilities. In the ongoing pandemic, St Kitts and Nevis have witnessed huge domestic violence cases and a disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic work and care responsibilities. Thankfully with support from our friends from Taiwan, we have been able to effect a training programme for women, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship,” Minister Hamilton said.