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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
Nassau, The Bahamas - Former and current female Parliamentarians “from across the political divide” met Wednesday to begin formulating a plan to address the “common issues they face for the continued development of Bahamian women – particularly at the political and decision-making levels.” Hosted by Minister of Social Services and Community Development, Melanie Griffin, the luncheon was held as part of the activities celebrating National Women’s Week in The Bahamas, and was addressed by Dame Jennifer Smith, the former Premier of Bermuda. National Women’s Week is celebrated annually in November (November 24-30 this year) to coincide with the anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, which resulted in women being able to vote for the first time on November 26, 1962. This year marks the 51st observance of this significant and historic event. Dame Jennifer arrived in The Bahamas on Tuesday evening, before undertaking a full slate of events on Wednesday and Thursday. Dame Jennifer paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Perry G. Christie early Wednesday morning before meeting with female students and faculty of the College of The Bahamas at the Harry C. Moore Library, and addressing the current and former parliamentarians at the luncheon held Wednesday afternoon at the British Colonial Hilton. Dame Jennifer was also the featured speaker at a Women’s Summit held at the British Colonial Hilton Wednesday evening. Bermuda’s former premier then joined Minister Griffin in Grand Bahama Thursday, spending the day visiting with young ladies from the PACE programme and addressing another special luncheon for women. “We have all decided that there are some issues on which we must not be divided and these include the promotion of women in leadership and participation in public life,” Minister Griffin said. “We are here today as women (and as such) there are some common issues which we share that need to be addressed for the continued development of our women and our country. “We made a deliberate decision that this event would be a small gathering. I felt that it would be appropriate for Dame Jennifer to have a session with female parliamentarians and other specially invited guests to speak to issues that impact female candidates and women in politics either as an appointed member of the Senate or an elected member of the House of Assembly,” Mrs. Griffin added. Mrs. Griffin said while Bahamian women have made significant strides in a number of areas, greater participation is needed at the political and decision-making levels.
Minister Griffin said statistics show that while 15,000 more women registered to vote than their male counterparts in the 2012 general elections, a mere 13 per cent (5) sit in the House of Assembly. “There is no doubt that Bahamian women have made significant contributions to the development of our country since gaining the right to vote 51 years ago and I salute our female pioneers in politics, religion, sports, public service, civic organisations and business,” Mrs. Griffin said, “however, the theme for National Women’s Week 2013 calls for greater participation of women at an even higher level. “As we strive towards this, those of us who hold positions of leadership have a responsibility to mold and mentor the next generation of Bahamian women so that they can surpass the achievements of the former. “As we do so, however, we are committed to serving as role models for all – men, women, boys and girls.” Wednesday’s luncheon discussion, Mrs. Griffin said, allowed the women to speak “informally and frankly” as women. Minister Griffin said Dame Jennifer’s long and distinguished political career that saw her ascend to the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party, and then as Premier of her country, made her the perfect choice to speak to the women on the Week’s theme: “Promoting Women Leadership in a Developing Bahamas.” “Like all of us who have been or are still involved in politics, she has enjoyed successes and endured defeats. Her involvement in politics spans some 40 years and she has indeed earned her place in history,” Mrs. Griffin said. The holder of a Doctor of Humane Letters, Dame Jennifer’s service to Bermuda and its people was recognised in the June 2005 Queen’s Birthday Honours, when she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE). “Dame Jennifer’s wealth of experiences over the years as a community worker, the representative of the Constituency of St. George’s North, leader of the Progressive Labour Party, Premier of her country on two occasions, Minister of Education on two occasions, Member of both houses of Parliament, and as one of three Regional Representatives on the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) where she was able to encourage increased female political participation in several Commonwealth countries, including The Bahamas, makes her more than qualified to address females on matters concerning leadership in political and public life,” Mrs. Griffin added.
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