Tobago joins the rest of the world today in celebration of International Women’s Day 2019.

“We must acknowledge and celebrate the progress of women in Trinidad and Tobago over the years. Our country’s history now boasts of a female President and Prime Minister; more women and girls are pursuing and succeeding in fields of work that have been traditionally male dominated and many women are now breadwinners, while still nurturing their families,” Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Dr. Agatha Carrington said.

The Secretary said in 2019 that women had choices and opportunities on the island.

“Despite these successes, the daily story of millions of women and girls worldwide is not one of success, attainment and accomplishments. Instead, it is a frightening story of alarming discrimination, economic disparity and appalling violence,” she said.

In a media release, the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development reiterated its commitment to achieving Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals, “which calls for an end to all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls everywhere, including human trafficking, sexual and other types of exploitation, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.”

“The 2019 campaign for International Women’s Day, “#BalanceforBetter”, is a call for everyone to play a part in building a gender-balanced world, which is essential for economies and communities to thrive,” the Secretary said.

She encouraged Tobagonians to do their part to ensure the safety of women and girls.