First Lady Cándida Montilla reaffirmed her commitment to Dominican women and urged them to continue their struggles for social parity that is guaranteed by the Dominican Constitution and laws.
In her greeting to Dominican women on the occasion of “International Women’s Day” on 8 March 2018, Montilla highlighted that women all around the world are joining their voices to claim their rights. “Today, as yesterday, women continue to fight for their rights. Socio-economic, political and cultural development of countries will not be possible as long as half of the population continues to be discriminated against and relegated to the lowest echelons of the social structure, “said Montilla in her International Women’s Day statement.
She highlighted that on this day women from all over the world are recognized for their struggle for equality, equity and gender justice. She recalled that the celebration of “International Women’s Day” marks the 8 March 1908 day when 15,000 female garment workers, marched through New York City’s Lower East Side and rallied at Union Square, demanding economic and political rights. It also honors the memory of the 146 young women workers, most of whom were immigrants, who died in the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York on 25 March 1911. The women had been protesting the low wages and miserable working conditions.
Montilla added that this 8 March 2018 women are the protagonists of a new wave of demands at the international level since in several countries of the world, women are protesting sexist violence, sexual harassment, wage inequality, and the devaluation of feminine care for sick or disabled people in the family environment, among other demands.
She said that in the Dominican Republic the “International Women’s Day” is being commemorated with various activities, including recognition of women who have excelled in different areas of national life.
President Danilo Medina, who has three daughters with First Lady Candida Montilla, issued a statement of admiration and absolute respect for Dominican women while recognizing the “agonizing situation of domestic violence that disrespects and crushes the lives of many women.” He highlighted the commitment of his government to assert women’s rights and freedoms.”
Vice President Margarita Cedeño, who at present is attending a FAO Conference abroad, issued a statement calling for Latin American nations to address the inequality that women suffer in agriculture with inclusive policies, considering that it is a situation that can not continue to be tolerated. “As in all areas of society, women participate in agriculture with strong inequalities, with less access to credit, to ownership and, in general, to productive channels. It is part of what makes them and their families poor, and we cannot allow this to continue,” she said when speaking at the 35th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean taking place in Jamaica.
Read more in Spanish:
First Lady Office
Presidency
Vice President’s Office
Listin Diario
El Dia
8 March 2018
