A Barbadian Senator sees a new era emerging for West Indian Women.
Delivering the feature address at a Gospel Concert organised by the Women's Arm of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in recognition of International Women's Day at the Cuthbert Peter's Park in Gouyave, Senator Kerryann Ifill described the womenfolk as being the unsung heroes.
"From the days of slavery we have been the backbone of our families. We have been the leaders, the decision-makers, but we are the unsung heroes," she said.
Ifill who is the Deputy President of the Senate in the Upper House of Parliament in Barbados spoke of the West Indian Women being the ones who will change the future of all the islands in the Caribbean.
She admonished Grenadian women to stand proud and not to allow anyone to set limitations for them.
"You do not have to demand respect but command respect as a woman. As a woman we are called to lead our country. We are called to stand up and to take charge," she said.
The Barbadian Deputy President of the Senate encouraged the local women to become actively involved in the affairs of the country and indicated that she was inspired by the women of the NDC who spoke at the Gospel Concert.
"These are women of passion, women of fervour, and women who are guided, and these women need your support. It is in politics, it is in business, it is in all of these aspects of our society that we women must take our place and make our mark, because unless we do that we are letting our country down," she told the large gathering.
Sen. Ifill recognised that women have been doing a good job, but advised her fellow gender not to sit aside and allow the men by themselves to do the job at hand.
Opposition Member of Parliament for South St. George, Glynnis Roberts who also addressed the concert said she believes that the celebration of International Women's Day provides an opportunity for women to focus on the role that they play as they seek to influence meaningful change for the betterment of everyone.
Roberts who was instrumental in organising the Gospel event described the Congress Party as the avenue for achieving meaningful change.
It is quite noticeable, she said, that over the years women have realised that they are no longer restricting themselves to the traditional roles, "but we are getting involved at every level and in all sectors of society."
"We in the NDC embrace the concept of full participation by women at all levels of our society as we appreciate the multi-facet capacities of our womenfolk," she added.
Apart from Roberts, two other women, Senator Ingrid Rush and Ingrid Jackson will contest the General Elections on an NDC ticket in the constituencies of St. Andrew North East and St. George's North West respectively.
Roberts said the NDC through its actions has demonstrated that women have a valued say at the table of decision-making, and that the voices of women will always be heard.
"This is the team to move Grenada forward. Our message is one of restoring the principles that we grew up on where we support and love each other, where we respect, where we develop greater tolerance, where we see ourselves... as having a stake in moving this country forward," she added.
The Gospel Concert featured several performing artistes including the Caribbean renowned, Carlene Davis and Papa San of Jamaica.
Political Leader of the NDC Tillman Thomas who also spoke at the concert said it is very timely for Grenada and saluted the women of Grenada and the world at large for their contribution to society.
Thomas encouraged the patrons to allow the concert to motive and inspire them to be closer to Jesus Christ.
"I want each one of you here to leave with a song in your heart, a song that will always inspire you to do what is right, a song that will inspire you to be on the side of Jesus," he said.
