St Kitts and Nevis: PM Terrance Drew extends wishes on Intl Women’s Day

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: The government and the ministries of the twin-island federation of St Kitts and Nevis have extended warm wishes on International Women’s Day 2023. This year the day was celebrated under the ‘DigitALL Innovation and Equality for Gender Equity’ theme.

While emphasising the strength and contribution of women globally, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, stated, “It is a pleasure to extend greetings to all women as we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 2023, under the theme ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’.”

He further quoted Sheryl Sandberg, a mainstream technology executive and philanthropist, who once stated, “We need women at all levels to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”

Additionally, he mentioned that it is his belief and that of the St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party administration that women play a critical role in the overall development of our federation. Women hold significant soft skills that are pertinent to economic advancement, and it is imperative that gender parity in all fields be given adequate attention. According to UN Women, women make up only 22 percent of artificial intelligence workers globally. Women are unable to fully utilise technology due to a persisting gender gap in gaining access to the field, and this must be addressed.

“Happy International Women’s Day!” he wished while concluding his message.

However, according to the government of St Kitts and Nevis, members of the National Assembly lent their support to global gender parity on March 7, 2023 (Tuesday) during the Sitting of the National Assembly. While showing her support towards gender equity, Speaker Lanein Blanchette addressed the members presented during the sitting and the general public. A ‘bipartisan support for gender parity’ was showcased by the members during the conclusion of the parliamentary sitting, which came on the eve of International Women’s Day.

As per the government, the member across both benches (government and the opposition) donned hues and accents of purple. Additionally, speaker Blanchette invited the attendees to imagine “a globe free of bias as well as discrimination, one that is equitable, filled with inclusivity.”