MP Simon gives women the flowers they deserve and calls on men to shoulder their responsibilities

MP for St. Mary’s South Kelvin “Shugy” Simon is also celebrating the
accomplishments and contributions made by women – not just
locally, but regionally and internationally.
 
Simon notes that, very often, women’s accomplishments are made
against great odds and in the face of adversity. 
 
Simon, who was raised by an enterprising grandmother, says this
year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” resonates
very loudly with him.
 
And yet, he says, in spite of the advancements made, “regrettably,
too many of our women are still afflicted by daily challenges in their
homes, communities and places of work – challenges which we must
consistently strive to minimize or eliminate.” 

Simon is proud of the women of Antigua and Barbuda, especially
those in St. Mary’s South, as he salutes them for the vital role they
play in the community and society, despite difficult circumstances.
 
The MP says that women have been called upon to bear an unfair
share of the burden in cradling the society, raising children, and
providing for families.

Accordingly, they are owed a great debt of gratitude for carrying
that burden with remarkable strength and resilience, he says.
 
Women deserve more than just thanks, however; Simon says they
deserve a better quality of life.
 
But given the high cost of living; inadequate healthcare; limited
child-care options; low-paying jobs; and fewer opportunities for
advancement – these factors limit economic empowerment,
especially among single mothers, the MP acknowledges.  
 
In the meantime, Simon admonishes men to step forward and
shoulder more of the responsibilities in the homes and
communities.
 
He encourages them to treat women with the greatest respect at all
times, because they are our wives, mothers, sisters and friends and
must be treasured.
 
The MP says the Government must also intensify its efforts to
strengthen, support and protect the place of women in the society.
 
He is commending all the organizations that have worked tirelessly
in the pursuit of the protection and strengthening of the rights of
women.