Dominica observes International Women's Day under theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”

Dominica will join the rest of the international community in observing International Women's Day tomorrow, Tuesday March 8, 2016, under the theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. This theme is a call to close existing gender gaps, and to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all women and girls.
 
While women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievements, it is said that progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places. UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon in his message for International Women’s Day 2016 says “We have shattered so many glass ceilings we created a carpet of shards. Now we are sweeping away the assumptions and bias of the past so women can advance across new frontiers”.
 
The Bureau of Gender Affairs here has embarked on a campaign entitled ‘DA Women Rock Purple’ under the theme ‘Pledge for Parity', in observance of the day.  Persons are being invited to 'rock purple' which is the International colour scheme for International Women’s Day, adopted by the Women’s Social and Political Union in Great Britain.
 
The daring colour purple is said to represent an unapologetically ambitious, confident and committed woman, who boldly stands in solidarity with the women who are not brave enough, to fearlessly breakdown the barriers that prohibit them from reaching their full potential.  
 
The public is being urged to post their pictures on the Bureau of Gender Affairs Facebook page - “Bureau of Gender Affairs”, rocking purple and tag #PurpleforParityDA, #DAWomenRockPurple tomorrow.
 
Meanwhile, three (3) exceptional women will be awarded within any of the four sectors of Health, Education, Environment and Energy as part of activities being held in commemoration of Women’s Day.