International Women’s Day in Gibraltar

WITH the theme for International Women’s Day 2017 ‘Be Bold for Change,’ Gibraltar is embracing the need to ensure that women in society are treated with respect and gain the equality in all areas that they deserve.

The concept of a day for women was recognised in the USA in 1909 following an equality demonstration the previous year and this was followed by Russia in 1917 days before the revolution. Eventually, in 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to dedicate March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.

In Gibraltar, the Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento MP has taken a great interest in women’s rights and on the occasion of International Women’s Day has released a statement saying “It is my responsibility as the first Minister for Equality to consider issues that may lead to gender inequality, today how inequalities against women may arise.

“In Gibraltar we are privileged in that women have equal access to education, healthcare and employment.

“My ministry and I are working to identify ways in which we may encourage progress towards true gender equality in this area. I am therefore happy to announce that I will be forming a working group to look at whether there is a gender pay gap issue.

“I am a believer in that it is through educational programmes that younger members of our community can be encouraged to know that they too can make a positive difference in gender equality.

“We will continue to strive in working in partnership with women and men in both the public and private sector to roll out policies and programmes to achieve this and; I want to conclude my International Women’s Day wishes by reaffirming that we simply cannot afford to wait for things to happen.

“We need to make them happen and it needs to be a collective approach by both women, men, young and old. As women we must feel empowered and be bold to make that difference and effect change.”