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Women challenged to take on non-traditional roles
3/10/2010
By Allison Ramsay
THERE is a need for more women to be involved the technical, vocational, science and technology sectors.
President of the National Organisation of Women (NOW), Yvonne Walkes issued the challenge for women to take risks and be involved in arenas not traditionally thought of for women.
Her comments came at the International Women’s Day rally and concert at Independence Square, Bridgetown on Monday evening.
“The world over is agonising over the whole concept of women being in science and that women tend to be shying away from what one would call the hard topics/subjects, and we have to ask ourselves after all the progress that we have made and all the challenges that we have had this far, if we are now going to chicken out and so I say this is a topic that we must confront and
address in Barbados,” said Walkes.
Noting that girls are always given dolls as presents, she asked why they are not given gifts such as science kits, math sets and other creative tools.
“Where are the astrologers, engineers, physicists, scientists and science professors that are women? We need to ensure that we are at the forefront of what is happening in our world. Sometimes women have to take risks and do things not traditionally known as the women’s sphere.”
She said, for instance, that the technical and vocational careers such as the plumbers, carpenters and masons are male dominated and that this does not necessarily have to be the case. Walkes challenged women to work in these areas to see what they can do for the good of the country and for their personal development.
The NOW president also said she hopes that the powers that be take note of what is happening internationally where, particularly now during the economic crisis, countries are looking to see how they can utilise women to the fullest.
“Therefore they are saying to also ensure that gender equality is part of what is happening in the economy and that is sensible economics,” Walkes stressed.
Remarks were made on aspects of women’s lives from the perspectives of politics, sport and teaching by Maizie Barker-Welch, Kathy Harper-Hall and Eudora Mascoll respectively.
Patrons were also treated to entertainment acts from Dancin’ Africa, Mission Prayze, Natahlee, Drama Konnections, John King and T.C.
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