Thursday, July 24 2008

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SPARSE: The sparse crowd at yesterday's SWRHA public forum. ...

PROMOTING gender equality without limiting the progress of men is one of the goals of Government’s Vision 2020 plan for developed nation status, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Community Development and Gender Affairs Junia Regrello said.

Regrello said there must be a balance in opportunity between both sexes as the country moves toward Vision 2020.

In this regard Regrello said no one must be left behind as people take advantage of new job opportunities. Regrello addressed 350 female graduates of the second phase of the Woman in Harmony programme yesterday at Naparima Bowl, San Fernando.

The programme was an intensive 12 week, hands on project for women of all ages from rural communities. Graduates were trained in geriatric care, agriculture and landscaping.

Regrello said the plight of women will not be ignored. This includes women who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

Regrello said everyone must take their place in order to facilitate the growth and development of women. “You must be prepared to make sacrifices if this is to be accomplished,” Regrello said. The Parliamentary Secretary also told graduates to remember those who have helped them achieve their goals.

Monica Williams, Director of the Gender Affairs Division of the Ministry of Community Development said the graduation was the first time some of the women ever received academic certificates.