International Women’s Day
By Jennifer Gaston

Saturday March 8th was celebrated as International Women’s Day worldwide but from where I was, it did not seem like this was very significant except for the few.
What happened to all these shows and rallies and activities which we find the time to do for all other things? Is International Women’s Day not considered important enough to make that effort?
Yes I know, there was some emphasis in the newspapers highlighting women who have made their contribution to the St. Lucian society, but, such were the stories that I am not sure it had the effect that was intended. Yes it highlighted their personal achievements academically but where was this impact on the society as a whole. No reference or comparison to their hard work and achievement and the impact on society was highlighted. As a matter of fact, some children who are not doing well at school may consider that there is no place for them in this present world.
If one were to go to the public and ask questions about these individuals following the articles, I wonder how much knowledge one would get from the man on the street. Well at least the papers tried.
Ok, there was also a rally by the St. Lucia Labour Party Women’s Organisation, but that was the only public activity I know of which involved the public in recognising the day. Outside of this nothing else could be done? What about the other communities? There are no women existing there?
What about the sporting organisations? Could activities such as female cricket, female football, athletics to name a few, been organised, and at the same time recognise our women who have achieved in the field of sport? Well today I heard the Karate Club did something, but again you only hear about it after.
What about music? So many women have achieved in this field, especially calypso, that no organisation could put on a show like they have done for so many other things to highlight them? Would a sponsor be so hard to find?
I was listening to the radio yesterday and I could not believe that there was more talk of International Women’s Day than the week leading up to it or even on the day itself. Imagine music was being played in honour of International Women’s Day, two days after the event.

Now talking about the media, could they not find a way through their programming to highlight our women (and I’m not talking about those who everybody knows). What about going into communities and focusing on the women who have contributed to their society most times, on their own with little help.’ What about the Talk Shows, could they have found anyone to interview, so the challenges of women in the present environment are highlighted, just like the problems with the police, farmers and politicians.’ We women are part of the society, not just mothers or housewives or girlfriends.
Check around and you will see how many women actually play an important role in the economic development of our country, the sporting development, the role of mummy and daddy to our children. I guess most of us are not politicians so only the few who are in that environment are the important ones.
Oh shucks! How could I forget? We don’t come close to the Prince’s visit!
Well I want to tell my women colleagues and friends that I am proud of all who have been playing their role in this society whether it is academically, culturally, in sports, in music or just simply working hard to take care of their families. We do what we have to do because survival is the key ,and the menial tasks which are seen, such as vending and house cleaning are assisting in ensuring that our children are able to survive in a world where economic stability is becoming more difficult. I look around and the new profession which is begging is mainly adopted by men so it means that we women are prepared to work hard.
Keep up the good work women and know that the results will be seen in the future generation as we give our children hope.
So, it was International Women’s Day on Saturday, but I guess the emphasis was on International and we are only Caribbean so maybe I expected too much! Well I guess that’s the part of life that makes us strong.
For today’s commentary I am Jennifer Gaston.