In observance of Women’s History Month, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia held a live broadcast event of “International Gender Equality Dialogue－ACCELERATING WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT” on 18, March 2021 at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine. The forum is jointly held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Foundation for Women’s Rights Promotion and Development, in conjunction with the 65th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 65).
The discussion was led by Taiwan’s Digital Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang, State Secretary to Minister for Gender Equality of Sweden, Ms. Karin Strandås, Vice President of the Office of External Affairs of U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Ms. Algene T. Sajery, Director of Kosova Women for Women, Ms. Iliriana Gashi, and Taiwan’s Ambassador at Large Ms. Lin Ching-Yi.
Ambassador at Large Ms. Lin Ching-Yi expressed her expectation to see more female participation in politics and the decision making process, thus more gender-based public policy will be generated and less damage to women and young girls. State Secretary to Minister Karin Strandås believes that economic gender equality means that women and men have the same opportunities to reach their full potential throughout their life cycle.
While responding to the question of the importance to advance women equality, Vice President Ms Algene T. Sajery said that investing in women means investing in communities, investing in stability and investing in sustainable economic development. Director Iliriana Gashi echoed that giving rights to women and more economic power in women’s hands is actually good for men, too.
Permanent Secretary Michelle Charles for the Ministry of Education, Director Janey Joseph for Department of Gender Relations, Director Lennel Malzaire for Department of Innovation, Legal Officer Kate Wilson for the Department of Sustainable Development, Social Transformation Officer Feodora Alcindor for the Ministry of Equity, Manager Sylvie Edward from Women’s Support Center and Ms. Mylica Amede from SLUDTERA were present at the meeting.