As we join in marking International Women’s Day on March 8, we must acknowledge the challenges facing women in Barbados as we endorse the theme, Embrace Equity.The history of Barbados is a story of a long march from the depravity of chattel slavery towards freedom, enfranchisement and gender equality, to the point where our heads of state and government are both female, descendants of the enslaved majority. But this is not the end of history; there remain significant barriers that prevent women of all races and classes from fully realizing their rights and potential.Our island is blighted by the ignoble spectre of gender-based violence, with one in three women experiencing some form of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this crisis, with lockdowns and economic stressors leading to increased incidents of domestic violence. If we are to embrace equity, we must work towards a society where women are safe from all forms of violence.Despite being a success story of access to education and employment opportunities when compared to many other countries in the region and further abroad, we are still challenged to ensure equal pay and a fair shake for all women. Barbadian women are more likely to work in low-paying and precarious jobs, thus limiting their economic independence and ability to support themselves and their families.
