In celebration of International Women’s Dayobserved on this day 8th March, this week’s editorial piece is geared towards giving a special spotlight to the women who are choosing careers and jobs traditionally done by men. Jobs like electrician, engineer, IT Specialist, construction worker and managers of major corporations, when a women is in the role, usually get a lot of attention simply because of the interactive nature of a male dominated societies which have placed expectations on what exactly is a fitting job or professional role according to one’s gender.
It goes without saying that many females have been and continue to break barriers in dismantling gender roles thus creating commendable steps in increasing the achievable moments for women as the years roll by defying expectations and challenging what some people may see as the norm when it comes to the male dominated jobs. Many females – and the supportive men as well as those looking on – know all too well that gone are the days when certain professions appear to have been exclusively for the men since women continue to purse jobs and other
professional positions in taking up space to show that they are equally qualified and able to get the work done because it is really not a gender factor. Presently here in St. Kitts and Nevis, a five-week series of training for women in areas traditionally dominated by menorganised by the Department of Gender Affairsto commemorate International Women’s Day-began on Saturday 2nd March with the basics of plumbing with classes held at the Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC).
The educational hands-on session has seen a full house featuring 34 of the registered 35 females geared towards empowering women with the “know-how” in several technical fields so that they can address minor issues in the home or with a car was the objective of the Women in Plumbing session, as explained by Acting Director of Gender Affairs Shinnel Charles. As understood, the ‘Women in Auto Mechanics’ training session is also fully booked.
Naturally of course, the reaction and support from the public have been quite encouraging in cheering on the women who have registered for such empowerment ‘know-how’ courses! For this occasion of International Women’s Day, let us all continue to cheer the progress of women locally, regionally and internationallyespecially the ones who are inspiring change in empowering every woman to pursue her dreams and goals while paying no mind to societal expectations.
Happy International Women’s Day!
