SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – Member of Parliament Angelique J.G. Romou would like to congratulate all women for being phenomenal women in celebration of International Women’s Day 2021. MP Romou would like to highlight and reflect on this year’s International Women’s Day theme of the UN Women organization “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”.
MP Romou quoting UN Women states “This year’s theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic.
The crisis has highlighted both the centrality of our contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry. It is no secret that majority of the countries that have been more successful in stemming the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to its health and broader socio-economic impacts, are headed by women and they have been widely recognized for the rapidity, decisiveness and effectiveness of their national response to COVID-19, as well as the compassionate communication of fact-based public health information.” Our Prime minister Silveria Jacobs is also one of these leaders.”
Romou further goes on to state “I live on the beautiful island of St. Maarten and because my island is so small, I believe it is easier to be vocal and to be heard, as a woman. Nevertheless, that does not mean that we are where we are supposed to be because as I reflect and look around at our government institutions, our government owed companies, their boards and the high councils of state, the representation of women are at a minimum, which indicates we have a lot of work to do to improve gender equality in St. Maarten.
“I must mention however that 2020 brought a shift In St. Maarten and history was made, as for the very first time we have a parliament boasting 1/3 women. 5 out of 15 parliamentarians are women and it is quite clear that women having an equitable participation in politics is essential to building democracies that will be sustainable. And as research states and I totally agree with the findings which say that having women in politics has more gains for democracy, including greater responsiveness to citizen needs, increased cooperation across party and ethnic lines. More women in politics also means more responsiveness to constituent concerns. It will help secure lasting peace, encourage citizen confidence in democracy through their own participation, and prioritize health, education, and other key development indicators. So, as we continue to inspire girls and other women to enter the arena of politics and leadership positions, we are prioritizing key elements for the future development of our country and promoting the rise of gender equality.
“In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that I have been inspired by so many women in St. Maarten and around the world namely my mother, my grandmothers, my daughter, my aunts, my mentors, my cousins, my friends, my St. Martin young ambassadors, my acquaintances athletes, artists, celebrities and total strangers by all that they do as resilient strong nurturers, sustainers and caretakers of the world. So Once again I would like to wish all women in St. Martin and around the world a Happy International Women’s day and as we celebrate each other let us remember that nurturing encompasses so many things that promote and sustain the growth and development of others.”
To watch the full address by MP Romou, please visit her Facebook page MP Angelique J. G. Romou.
