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Nassau, The Bahamas
– Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, challenged women and girls attending a one-day National Women’s Advisory Council (NWAC) National Women’s Symposium to ignite lasting change by reaffirming their commitment to building a Bahamas where the Rights of Women are not just recognized, but celebrated and protected.
L-r – Allyson Maynard Gibson, Lindsay Thompson. (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)“Let this symposium ignite lasting change,” Mr. LaRoda told his audience during the Opening Address. “Let this symposium not be a one-time event, but an ongoing Movement. The Government of The Bahamas recognizes that gender equality is not just a women’s issue, but a national imperative that affects economic growth, social stability and the overall well-being of Bahamian communities.”
Mr. LaRoda said the symposium’s theme — ‘Let’s Move’ — was a powerful call to action as it signified that Bahamian women are not standing still, “[but] are pressing forward with unity, purpose and determination.”
“Bahamian women have been the backbone of our society– trailblazers in politics, business, education, and community development,” he said. “From the historic fight for voting rights to their roles in shaping national policies, our women have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and unwavering strength. We must never forget that women have always been the heart of this country, shaping the very fabric of our society. They are the silent architects of change, the unsung heroes of progress. However, progress must not breed complacency. Women must remain united with a common cause of lobbying for further change. It is our responsibility — as a government, as advocates, as citizens – to identify and challenge injustices and drive systemic change. Yet, while we acknowledge the progress made, we must also recognize the journey ahead.”
Women, and girls from across all age groups and sectors of society, packed the Bahamas Harvest Church, for the one-day symposium that was hosted by the National Women’s Advisory Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, and its Department of Gender and Family Affairs.
Key issues impacting women across the country were discussed and/or addressed during Saturday’s Symposium, the first in a series of continued efforts to address social, legal and other matters affecting and impacting women nationwide in order to develop a national roadmap. NWAC is an appointed body that was established to advance women’s affairs and social matters. Council members and its sub-committees all serve on a voluntary basis.
Among those efforts was a Working Session that was designed around discussions on the Protection Against Violence Act, 2023, “with a view to making recommendations to the government with regards to the roll-out and implementation and to make any other comments or recommendations as to whether or not there are any gaps or loopholes in the legislation.”
The legislation was designed to serve as a pivotal framework to protect and support victims of violence, with a particular focus on empowering women. It not only upholds international obligations, but also establishes a domestic framework to address violence and raise public awareness. Its significance lies in providing victims with the necessary tools and support to overcome their traumatic experiences, ensuring their fundamental rights to dignity, compassion, and privacy.
At its core, the Act, aims to create a safer Bahamas by addressing the pervasive issue of violence, particularly violence against women. The legislation recognizes that violence undermines the very fabric of society and endangers the well-being of citizens.
One of the key provisions of the Act is the establishment of the Protection Against Violence Commission and Secretariat. These bodies are expected to play a vital role in coordinating various stakeholders, granting funding, and providing technical assistance to strengthen the national response to violence. The Commission will ensure that the country’s international and regional obligations related to violence are met, leading to more efficient use of resources and a coordinated approach to combating violence.
Other agenda items included discussions on mental health; a Pastor’s Corner that will address issues affecting women in the pulpit and women’s roles in nation-building, and a business and entrepreneurial session in which some of the country’s top female business leaders participated.
“I have noted that among the topics for today is a Working Session on the Review of the Protection Against Violence Act, 2023, with the intent of providing a roadmap to implementation,” Mr. LaRoda said. “This is a good start to ensuring that women not only understand what the Act entails, but are also afforded an opportunity to express their views and make recommendations on the roadmap for progress in this area.
“I congratulate the organizers of this symposium for their vision and commitment to host this National Symposium. The inclusion of young women in today’s activities in particular, is commendable as they represent the next generation of change-makers. I leave you with a challenge: Let this symposium not be a one-time event, but an ongoing movement. Consider expanding this initiative to reach women across our archipelago. By leveraging digital platforms, we can ensure that every Bahamian woman, no matter where she resides, has a voice and a seat at the table. As we stand together, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a Bahamas where the rights of women are not just recognized, but celebrated and protected. May this symposium ignite lasting change.”
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