First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, in her International Women’s day message has said that the scourge of violence is a scar on our humanity. “If we are to confront the levels of violence that are on the increase, we must act on many fronts, not the least of which is at the level of family.”
She said that each year, a day is set aside to focus on issues of concern to women and to highlight the social, political and economic advances they have achieved. “Much progress has been made by women in these spheres. However, in many parts of the world, this development has been uneven. There remains a great deal of unfinished business, including the urgent need to safeguard women from abuse in the home.”
The First Lady argued that while International Women’s Day affords us all the opportunity to recognise gains made by women throughout the world, it should not distract from the special role that women also play within the home.
According to the First Lady, women play an irreplaceable and unique role in family life. “The woman is the source of stability within the home, offering protection, comfort and unconditional love. She is the rudder that steers the family along the right course, the shoulder that is always there to lean on, the ear that is ever receptive, and the hands ever willing to cradle soothe and comfort. Women play a foundational role in family-life, inculcating, through personal example, the values of security, trust and responsibility. It is hard to find a better role model for these values than women.”
She said that this role that women play in family life must therefore not be readily taken for granted. “Their significance in the nurturing of bodies, the moulding of minds and in fostering positive relations within society should not be understated or devalued. Sound and stable families are the hope for the afflictions of today’s world.”
Mrs Ramotar urged that a concerted effort be made to rediscover the beauty of family life; and in so doing, begin to appreciate more the special role that women play in securing this vital institution.
