TT women join world

MINISTER of Community Development, Joan Yuille-Williams said yesterday that the commemoration of International Women’s Day this year is significant for women in Trinidad and Tobago. “We are joining women around the world, in affirming our commitment to meeting global challenges to women in their daily lives, such as the ravages of poverty, the rising toll of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on young women and families, and the desecration of war and criminal activity which women, with children at their sides, have confronted in many countries.”

The Minister spoke at the Brian Lara Promenade at an event to mark International Women’s Day. She praised women for identifying themselves in all possible fields including teaching. President George Maxwell Richards said in a message: “I have never been in doubt about the influence of women.” He noted that women tended to be viewed by many as a backdrop against which things happen. He said: “I seek to encourage the women and girls of this country to see themselves as equal partners in development.” President Richards emphasised: “Women’s greater involvement in the media should be pursued as a means of influencing positive images of women in their various aspects.”