by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Association has joined in the celebration of International Women’s Day, Tuesday (March 08, 2022) in alignment with the local sub theme “Break the Bias.”
According to Mr. Shawn Seabrookes, Sports Officer within the Department of Sports, elected female executive members of national sports organisations and associations are being recognized and celebrated; and as such, the Women in Sports Commission of the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee is spearheading this year’s celebration.
Chairperson of the Committee Jennifer Nero firmly believes that when men and women are equally empowered the whole community benefits.
“In our community, for example, we are saying break the barriers and allow more women at the decision making table. It is important; hence why we chose the elected officials as the most fundamental way to have a voice at the decision making table and we want to recognize and value these women going forward, in the hopes that younger generations will see the value for this and would want to step forward. So, it’s a serious, serious platform that we are working on.”
Mr. Alphonso Bridgewater, President of the St. Kitts – Nevis Olympics Committee also gave remarks, where he referred to the theme “Break the Bias” and highlighted the importance of equality, equity and inclusiveness.
“I can’t believe another year has gone by so quickly, congratulations to the local Women in Sports Commission of the St. Kitts – Nevis Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association. “Break the Bias” that’s the theme for this year and I am happy for the reminder that we all as men and as leaders, recognize our behaviour and how it is biased against women. I am happy for the reminder that we should really acknowledge the individualism of women and what they could bring to the table and happy for the reminder to celebrate the attributes of women; and I am happy for the reminder so that we could really consider the significance that women bring to the table and what their presence brings to all that we do. So, let us really and truly, as we go through the programming for this year “Break the Bias.”
Another executive member of the St. Kitts – Nevis Olympics Committee, Mr. Leroy Greene shared the view that women have not really stepped forward to manage the sporting organisations and therefore gave support to the theme.
“Traditionally, women have not come to the fore, in terms of the management of our major sporting organisations in St. Kitts and Nevis. The St. Kitts – Nevis Handball Association, therefore, supports this “Break the Bias” campaign with the Women in Sports Commission of the Olympics Committee”
