The Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting's Department of Gender and Family Affairs participated in a church service at Bethel Baptist Church, Meeting Street, on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in observance of National Women's Week.
The week, launched in a press conference Friday, carries the theme, 'Accelerating Equity, Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls.' It features activities, workshops, and documentaries aired on ZNS. Pictured, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, responsible for Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles LaRoda delivers remarks. Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister was in attendance. Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin and Minister of State for Social Services the Hon. Lisa Rahming also attended the church service.
Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, Joel Lewis announced plans for National Women’s Week 2023, Sunday, November 26 to Saturday, December 2, 2023 under the theme 'Accelerating Equity, Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls.'
“The theme highlights the need to take urgent action to achieve equality and the empowerment of women and girls. We must take urgent action to ensure that women are more economically empowered,” the Permanent Secretary said during a press conference held at the Ministry on Friday, November 24, 2023.
“We must take urgent action to promote more women in decision making positions. We must take urgent action to ensure that violence against women and girls ceases.”
He said women in The Bahamas and internationally have come a long way, serving in leadership positions and excelling in the educational and medical profession.
Mr. Lewis noted that women are professional athletes, scientists, captains, entrepreneurs and nation-builders.
“Despite these accomplishments, greater efforts are needed to achieve equity, equality and to empower our women and girls.”
The Permanent Secretary said during National Women’s Week, special forums have been planned.
The week of activities will be launched on Sunday, November 26 2023 with a worship service at Bethel Baptist Church located on Meeting Street at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, there will be a Wreath laying ceremony at the graveside of the Late Dame Dr. Doris Johnson.
Mr. Lewis said in 1993, the Bahamas ratified the Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This year marks the 30th anniversary since The Bahamas’ ratification.
He explained that noted poet and attorney, Marion Bethel, CEDAW Committee member, will conduct special training sessions on CEDAW on Tuesday, 28th and Thursday 30th November.
“CEDAW” is widely known as the Women’s Bill of Rights. By signing on to the CEDAW, The Bahamas has affirmed its commitment to the journey to achieve gender equality.”
The Department of Gender and Family Affairs in partnership with the Bahamas Psychological Association will host a Psychological First Aid Forum for Caregivers on November 29. This session aims to provide strategies to reduce stress symptoms and assist in a health recovery following traumatic events.
The Permanent Secretary said The Bahamas will join countries around the world in observing the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This international campaign runs from November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, which is Human Rights Day.
“The 2023 theme is ‘Unite: Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls’. The United Nations Secretary-General in support of this campaign calls for global action to increase awareness, advocacy and innovations to help end violence against women and girls.”
A Women’s Empowerment Forum is scheduled for Friday, December 1 under the theme, “Building a Better You… Generation Next”. This forum, which is designed for women and girls, will hear from a team of experts on the topics such as self-care and financial independence.
Also, during National Women’s Week, a number of television programs will be aired including 'Bahamian Women 50 Years Later' and the documentary 'Womanish Ways, Freedom, Human Rights and Democracy: The Women’s Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas 1948 – 1962' by Marion Bethel.
NATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK SCHEDULE
Sunday, 26th November to Saturday
2nd December 2023&
Theme: “Accelerating Equity, Equality & Empowerment of Women & Girls”
Saturday, 25th November 2023
Mothers Arise Prayer & Praise Service
Chapel on the Hill @ 4:00 PM
Tonique Williams-Darling Highway
(Streaming LIVE under the G.W. Pavilion)
Sunday, 26th November 2023
Church Service (New Providence) @11:00 AM
Bethel Baptist Church, Meeting Street
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the graveside of the late Dame Dr. Doris Johnson immediately following the Church Service
Sunday, 26th November 2023
Mental Health and Your Child @ 5:00 PM (via zoom)
(Led by Zonta Club of New Providence)
Sunday, 26th November 2023
Airing of Documentary on ZNS @ 8:00 PM
“Womanish Ways, Freedom, Human Rights and Democracy: The Woman’s Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas, 1948 to 1962 by Marion Bethel
Sunday, 26th November 2023
Documentary, Part I, “Bahamian Women 50 Years
Later” on ZNS @ 9:10 PM
Monday, 27th November 2023
Newspaper Advertisement
Tuesday, 28th November 2023
Courtesy Call on Her Excellency, the Governor-General @11:00 AM
Tuesday, 28th November 2023
CEDAW Training 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
For Family Island Coordination Councils
Facilitator: Marion Bethel (Via Zoom)
Tuesday, 28th November 2023
Documentary Part II, “Bahamian Women 50 Years Later”
On ZNS @ 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 29th November 2023
Psychological First Aid for Caregivers
Hearing Room, Department of Physical Planning
9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Hybrid)
Wednesday, 29th November 2023
Orange Ribbon Pinning
House of Assembly
(Department of Gender & Family Affairs &
Zonta Club of New Providence)
Wednesday, 29th November 2023
Documentary Part III, “Bahamian Women 50 Years Later”
on ZNS @ 2:30 PM
Thursday, 30th November 2023
CEDAW Training for Media Personnel & Social Workers
Hearing Room, Department of Physical Planning
10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
(HYBRID)
Friday, 1st December 2023
Empowerment Forum for Women & Girls
Theme: “Building a Better you … Generation Next”
Breezes Resort, Cable Beach
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
