Women in the agricultural sector have been told that opportunities for success abound, despite the many challenges of today’s world.{{more}}

This is according to Una May Gordon, representative to the Eastern Caribbean of the Inter American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA).

Gordon was at the time addressing those gathered at the International Women’s Day consultation last Sunday, March 8, at the LESCO Community Centre, at Langley Park, Georgetown organized by the Windward Islands Farmers Association (WINFA).

She told the gathering of about 35 female Fair Trade farmers, that they must aspire to leadership at various levels in their communities and country.

Gordon also noted that the development of a country cannot only be counted in the area of finances, but rather about the development of people, especially those in the rural areas.

“Development is the capacity of a people in a society to tap our creativity, to fire up and empower ourselves, to exercise our intelligence and to bring our collective wisdom to the table,” she said.

The consultation was also attended by Venezuelan Ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines Yoel Perez Marcano and other specially invited guests from other WINFA territories.

When they gathered for the afternoon rally at the Georgetown Mall, eleven female Fair trade farmers were honoured with certificates for their contribution to the agricultural sector.

Addressing the rally, Director of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of National Mobilization Polly Oliver said that the contribution of women in the agricultural sector cannot be overlooked.

She also lamented that gender issues are not given enough consideration when Economic Partnership Agreements are signed.

Oliver said that it is important that gender analysis be used when projects are being negotiated and implemented. (KJ)