Crime is the biggest challenge impacting women in T&T.
The assertion was made by Member of Parliament for Couva South, Rudranath Indarsingh MP, at an International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 forum titled “Inspire Inclusion”, which was held on Thursday at his offices on Camden Road, Couva.
“We know of the domestic violence, we know of the attacks, we know of the cries, the pain and the suffering and also we know of the rape, we know of the murders, we know of the attacks on senior citizens,” Indarsingh said.
“We continue to hear of the cries and pain and suffering of mothers such as Kizzie David, the mother of 96.7 DJ Elijah Babb who was gunned down in Laventille in some party, and then that young child Ezekiel Paria who was also gunned down,” he recounted.
Indarsingh also pointed to single mothers, whom he said have to deal with the higher cost of living as they try to sustain their families.
WPC Dion Lewis addresses Thursdays International Womens Day 2024 forum titled Inspire Inclusion, at the offices of the Member of Parliament for Couva South, at Camden Road, Couva. [Image by SHASTRI BOODAN]
Speaking on the topic “Women’s Security”, WPC Dion Lewis advised women to be "loud and annoying" when they find themselves in a situation of being attacked.
“If ever attacked, do not hesitate to be loud,” Lewis said.
“They will tell you to shut your mouth. From the time you are touched by someone you do not know or are acquainted with, scream! Be annoying, grab at them, do anything to get away, draw attention to yourself,” she advised.
Dr Sharon Lakan spoke about the role women can play to create generational health and wellness for their families. She encouraged women to not only take care of their physical health but also of their mental wellbeing.
She told women to avoid stressful situations and gossip. She recommends that instead, they should forge positive social connections.
“Positive social connections would include things like actively listening and providing emotional support. I want us to try and avoid things like gossiping and negative talk about others,” Dr Lakan said.
Dr Sharon Lakan- Dr Sharon Lakan addresses Thursdays International Womens Day 2024 forum titled Inspire Inclusion, at the offices of the Member of Parliament for Couva South, at Camden Road, Couva. [Image by SHASTRI BOODAN]
Meanwhile, businesswoman Savita Ramlal said there are not enough opportunities for women in leadership roles in business.
“Women continue to face numerous barriers and challenges in the business world. One of the most glaring issues is the lack of representation and leadership opportunities for us women despite making up half of the global workforce,” Ramlal said.
She noted further: Women are vastly under-represented in executive positions and the boardrooms. This lack of diversity not only stifles us as women in innovation and creativity but perpetuates a cycle of inequality that hinders our economic growth.”
Also speaking at the IWD event was Local Government Councillor Vanessa Kussie, the widow of Paria diving tragedy victim Rishi Nagessar, and Form Four Student Crystal Sahadeo.
