More must be done to protect women, says Kamla Persad

She wrote that she is happy to join the national and international community in celebrating the contributions of women on International Women’s Day 2021.

"This year’s theme, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” recognizes and celebrates the efforts of women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic," stated Persad on Facebook.

She stated that over past one year the entire world saw deep and widespread impact of the pandemic on health systems, economies and education sectors around the world.

She stated the tourism and hospitality industries, which employ a high proportion of women, have been severely affected by the pandemic, and with businesses shutting down, large numbers of women have lost their jobs.

Ms Persad stated that after several months, many are still waiting on the promised salary relief grants. In some cases, women have had to leave their jobs to care for families and ensure their children are able to switch to online learning.

"Women are also on the frontline of fighting the pandemic - as nurses, doctors and first responders. Also, women have been at the forefront of scientific research and development of the vaccines for COVID-19, and we applaud their efforts." she further wrote.

The former Prime Minister stated in addition to the challenges of loss of income and employment, women are at hgiher risk of domestic violence in the pandemic, as the economic strains and restrictions have increased stress and tension in the home.

She stated that women no longer feel safe at home, at work, or in any aspect of their daily lives.

Furthermore, she talked about gender-based violence and stated that it continues at unacceptable levels, and in recent months the deaths of young women at the hands of criminals have caused immense grief and trauma.

She stated that more must be done to protect our women and to give them a fighting chance.

Indicating to homicide cases in Trinidad and Tobago, she stated that despite public pressure to make non-lethal weapons available, and a promise by the government to enact the necessary legislation, there is still no word on when this will be done.

Targetting the current administration she stated it lacks coherent plan to take the country out of the economic crisis we are currently facing - a crisis that began long before COVID-19, and therefore it is up to us to work together to effect change.