Women the lifeblood of the UNC, says Panday

Speaking at the group’s Annual Convention at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre, yesterday afternoon, the UNC leader predicted a UNC victory at the next elections

"When that comes about it would be the Women’s Arm of the Party who would have made the difference," he said.

The meeting unanimously approved two motions dealing with gender equality and unity— and Panday assured the gathering that he would support their efforts. He said the UNC had always recognised the value of women and it was a UNC Government that had appointed two women to act as Prime Minister — Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Daphne Phillip.

"We did that because the party recognised their importance as part of the strategy of governance," Panday said, adding that women were taking over places normally occupied by men, and that was an indication that they were preparing themselves to take over areas where men once dominated. "All mass social movement only get going only when women get involved. Although men like Gandhi and Mandela might be leaders, the women are the ones who drive the movement on the ground and give the movement life. Similarly you women are the lifeblood of the UNC," Panday said.