Under the theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”, the United Nations, today, calls on all to reflect on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda of building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals.

This will equally focus on new commitments under United Nations Women’s Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s rights.

They, more than any other, mould and shape our youth and care for our elderly. Without women society would undoubtedly collapse.

This Coalition Government is proud of the immense strides our women have made in the 50 years since our independence and that they continue to be exemplary citizens, professionals and parents.

The APNU+AFC Government commits to ensuring that women are truly and sincerely protected, respected, included and provided with equal opportunity throughout the social landscape, starting with the manner in which the business of the national affairs are managed. It is a source of pride that ten ministers of this Coalition Government are women, more than is the case for any other member of CARICOM and even as we work towards ensuring that this number is increased in years to come to achieve the UN goal of 50-50, hopefully well in advance of 2030.