Government making strides to alleviate plight of women says gender relations minister

Monday, March 8, 2010 – The Division of Gender Relations is spearheading activities to mark this year’s observance of International Women’s Day throughout the month of March.

International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 08^th. Activities began on Monday with an open house at the premises of the Division on Jeremie Street, which included highlights of the achievements of Saint Lucian women.

Gender Relations Minister, Hon. Dr. Keith Mondesir, in saluting Saint Lucian women, says he is heartened by government’s actions to foster principles of gender equality through the enactment of legislation such as the Equality of Opportunity and Treatment in Employment and Occupation Act.

“This piece of legislation provides redress in cases of gender related discrimination such as sexual harassment in the workplace. Our most recent initiative—the formation of a maximum wage commission—promises to examine the situation of women in the workplace, because too many women continue to be employed with wages that are below the adult poverty line of EC$ 423.83 monthly.”

Dr. Mondesir says the minimum wage commission is expected to make recommendations to minimize exploitation and to ensure the dignity of workers and the reduction of extreme poverty—a move he says, that will certainly benefit women.

International Women’s Day 2010 was observed under the theme, “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All”, and brought attention to the tremendous strides that women have made and continue to make in every aspect of national development.

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