Women air concerns at Inter-American meet

The concerns of women were heavily in St.Vincent and the Grenadines last week as women from several local institutions held discussions on the present and possible future activities for women in this country.{{more}}

The discussions were part of the Inter-American Year of Women 2010, and took place at the Institute for Culture and Co-operation, Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on Wednesday, November 17.

Present at the meeting were representatives from several institutions, including Melene Glynn of the Organization of American States; Jeanie Olliverre of the SVG Human Rights Association and Women in Support of Equity, Education and Empowerment; Cashrika Oliver of the Girls’ High School (GHS); ASP and Forensic Psychologist Kamecia Blake of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; and Nelcia Robinson of the National Council for Women, among others.

The women engaged in healthy discussions, which focused on several issues such as the presence of domestic violence, the presence of legislation to deal with domestic violence, activities to empower women and gender affairs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador of the Republic of Venezuela to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Yoel Perez Marcana, said that the event was a good opportunity for women to discuss the activities that their organizations have done during the year, and set future activities.

He added that the projects which can transform the society must be found in women, as they are the ones who create life.

After several hours of discussion, several main points were highlighted by the women in terms of the way forward. They agreed that more collaboration is needed among women advocacy groups, as well the need to do promotion and publicise activities relating to women. They also agreed that there is a need to establish a legal policy regarding the treatment of women in cases such as domestic violence and rape.

It was also suggested that a division within the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines be established to cater for the specific needs of women, as well as the legal issues which they face.

The inclusion of schools in the promotion of women rights issues was also highlighted.

A committee was also formed to organize a follow up meeting to further deliberate on the issues highlighted.