"THE UNITED NATIONS THEME FOR THIS YEAR, EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, PROGRESS FOR ALL, COULD NOT COME AT A MORE CRITICAL TIME FOR WOMEN IN OUR ISLANDS HISTORY"
Philipsburg. Gracita R. Arrindell, Founder of the Peridot Foundation states, "first of all we extend congratulations to all the brave female sailors who participated in the 30th annual Heineken Regatta over the past weekend.
The theme for this year; Equal Rights, Equal Opportunity, Progress for All, is a great policy objective for our government as well as the private sector to pursue, given the past years financial and economic crisis that hit countries around the world. As we stated last year, during these vulnerable times, usually women, including a large segment of single bread winners with children suffer most. Things have not changed much for these women, and others who are financially more stable, do not see their financial/ economic future improve in the foreseeable future."
"The long drawn out constitutional change process facing our people, has not been particularly helpful in this respect either. We must refocus and direct some of our energy to the things that have immediate effect on the quality of life of our people in general and of our women in particular. Equal Rights, Equal Opportunity, Progress for All? Where we not there before? Why have we gone backwards in our strive for progress of women in public and private sector? In our public address last year, we made the call to have access to hard data or statistics in order to request funds to execute programs which will improve the quality of life of our women in general and those facing hardship of no fault of their own. This information is still not available. More women can succeed in business and in life if we equip them with the right information and the right tools".
"With a new board of the Chamber of Commerce under dynamic and forward thinking new leadership, we are looking forward to having the data and programs that would stimulate women's participation in business in short term. In addition to having access to financial literacy programs (when to refinance your debts, mortgages, internet use) to assist women in business, we also propose the establishment of a yearly Chamber of Commerce award for the best new business by a woman in our community. Such an award should include as prizes having access to an accountant for a year, 6 months business rent, 1 year insurance as well as business/ educational trip abroad to mention a few. This strategic alliance, will have a win- win situation for the woman, for government, the business sector and our community as a whole."
Gracita said: "Peridot Foundation supports initiative which enables women to start and keep their own small business. As a small business owner for over 22 years, I can speak from experience and see the need for women to get the assistance and support we deserve. Equal Rights, Equal Opportunity, Progress for All, is the way forward. Going back is not an option.
Gracita concludes: Our Foundation remains committed to its cause and objectives and hopes to continue for many more years with its programs and active presence in the improvement of the quality of life for Women on Sint Maarten. You can contact us for donations or support through our website; www. Peridotfoundation.com.
Happy International Women's Day 2010, if not now when?
