AUDIO INCLUDED IN THIS STORY: International Women’s Day 2012 is being observed under the theme: "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures."
The tag line for this day is "If every International Women’s Day event held in 2012 includes girls in some way, then thousands of minds will be inspired globally."
Every country is free to use the international theme or adapt it to the local circumstances as seen fit.
International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of women labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.
Early 20th century history is marked by women rising up to demand respect and dignified treatment as workers and human beings.
More and more this day is not only about past achievements and new challenges facing women worldwide, but more so about empowerment of women to make them agents of change for the good of the human race.
In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. In December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.
The overarching goal this year is about passing on the baton to future generations and equipping the younger generations of women with the skills and especially the mindset to want to leave their own mark behind.
Girl children look at us for direction. Truth of the matter is, influences, good and bad, reach them from every corner of the globe through the vast array of modern technological means.
If we focus on our St. Maarten community, women make up approximately 50% of our population and their contribution can be found in every sector of society.
Needless to say, women as mothers, teachers and caregivers of our children have that invaluable task of molding entire future generations.
It is with this in mind that as a society we must pay close attention to women who fulfill those roles. If they are ill equipped, it can not be expected that they will discharge of their duties in a meaningful way.
Mothers who are faced with dire social circumstances will seek any way out and children quickly sense that despondency.
Girl children in those circumstances are vulnerable and easily taken advantage of. Teenage motherhood is often a result of unguided young girls seeking "a way out". This way out can be associating with the wrong crowd or easily falling for false promises by boys and men.
And the cycle continues, unless we decide to break through it.
By breaking through it, we need to utilize the strengths of the mothers and role models amongst us to "connect our girls".
Make no mistake, these role models can also be young girls themselves, as our community has many examples of young women who are focused on making something worthwhile of their lives.
Women’s work and contribution to our nation’s development are sometimes taking for granted.
In most sectors, these women work side by side with their male counterparts. There is no special treatment because they are women, and I guess the women would want it no other way.
A group of women that comes to mind on this International Women’s Day are our taxi drivers.
To be competitive, they must compete with their colleagues and be out there in rain or sunshine. Not only is that their livelihood, but they are also called to be ambassadors and guides for our visitors. This, many do, also as mothers and wives.
Today is as good a day as any to pay homage to these women, who must also connect (with) young girls, their daughters and others.
I thank them for the contribution they make daily to the most important pillar of our economy: TOURISM.
"May God continue to bless you, enabling you to carry out your daily task of providing the visitors to our island with a wonderful first impression. One that is welcoming, warm, caring and informative. Character traits that are typical of our female taxi-drivers. Character traits of a group of St. Maarten women who are doing us proud!"
To all St. Maarten women, connect with the girls in your life and those around you. Provide them with a foundation that will make them confident and self-assured women of tomorrow.
To the men: You too can inspire the futures of the younger generations through your actions and connectivity and being role models for the young men who look at you for guidance and mentoring.
To women all around the world, happy International Women’s Day.