by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs recognised four Kittitian women on International Women’s Day (March 08) for their outstanding contributions to the nation.
The honourees were Ms Jihan Williams for contributions in the category of Orange Economy, Ms Shirnaldeen Lewis in the category of Digital Economy, Ms Vertali Henderson in the category of Blue Economy, and Mrs Trellor Fraites in the category of Women in Science.
Ms Jihan Williams, in a social media post, on Thursday, March 09, expressed gratitude to Leah Crag-Chaderton for nominating her. She said she was surprised by the win, considering that so many other women have made outstanding contributions to the Orange Economy.
Williams recalled over two decades ago when she received an award for her contributions to youth development and shared how, with time, things have evolved.
“What was interesting for me is that in 2010 I received one of the awards for outstanding contribution to youth development, and the then Minister of Gender Affairs, Hon. Marcella Liburd, presented it to me. Last night (March 08), Hon. Marsha Henderson, who is Marcella Liburd’s political successor, presented me with the award. Then I was happy to see the now Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, our first female Governor-General receive the inaugural “Ceiling Shatterer” Award. Last night was such a signal of progress for me and women on a whole, even if we still have so far to go. The effects of progress must be commonplace and accessible for all women and not just some. “
Another awardee Ms Shirnaldeen Lewis also expressed pride in receiving the distinguished award. She said, “God said NO to soooooooooooooooo many things and people in my life because he knew what HIS plan was for me.”
The International Women’s Day Award Ceremony was held under the theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”
In keeping with the theme, the featured speaker, Patricia Walters, highlighted that for the first time in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis, all the communication companies are headed by women.
The event was hosted at the Government House under the patronage of Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd. In attendance were Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, Ministers of Government and women from all fractions of society.
