THE theme for International Women’s Day 2018 is “Time is Now – Rural and Urban activists transforming women’s Lives.”
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of our communities and countries.
The United Nations has noted that this year, International women’s Day comes on the heels of unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. Sexual harassment, violence and discrimination against women have captured headlines and public discourse, propelled by a rising determination for change.
Since Lions Clubs International has put a concerted emphasis on family and women’s participation in Lions clubs, more and more families are sharing the Lions club experience together and women membership is growing and new leaders emerging. As the emphasis on family-friendly Lions clubs and growing women in Lions continues, it is important for clubs to identify relevant service opportunities that will spark the interest of families and women.
In the Caribbean, we can consider ourselves fortunate since women continue to steady the pillars of our membership. However, our leadership is still male dominated. We must therefore, continue to focus on supporting the women in our organization so that they can take their rightful place beside the men.
We are fortunate at this time to have a distinguished woman serving as our International Director; Lion Nicolin has broken the glass ceiling for our women and we salute her for laying the path for the future aspiring ladies. . I look forward to our women continuing to take their place in leadership roles in our organization.
While we do not have to focus on working towards the goals of increasing women’s membership in our Multiple District as encouraged by Lions Clubs International, we need to focus on developing our women leaders to ensure that we meet the growing service challenges in the world.
I encourage clubs to review their programmes to create the opportunities for women to seek leadership roles and be the champions that they can be, ever mindful of the words of Diane Mariechild“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”
A HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018 TO OUR FEMALE LIONS AND LEOS.