Op-Ed

International Women of Courage
International Women's Day observed March 8, 2007

Op-Ed by Ambassador John D. Rood

 

A society’s treatment of women tells us a great deal about that society.   The United States and The Bahamas are leaders in promoting women’s rights because we know that by investing in women, we are investing in a better, more hopeful and more peaceful world.  We understand that when you educate women, they share that knowledge with their children, families and communities.  We know that when you invest in women, almost every other statistic in a society improves.  We know that when women are educated and involved in the decisions that shape their lives, their children are better educated, their health and nutrition improves, family income rises and civil society can flourish.

Throughout the world today, we celebrate International Women’s Day.  And throughout the world today, women are increasingly agents of change, arbiters of peace and advocates of education and health.   In honor of International Women’s Day, the United States is helping to honor a group of women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and advancement, including one of The Bahamas’ own.   As Secretary Rice noted, "women of courage are standing up for freedom and human dignity, and the United States stands with them. We must not forget that the advance of women's rights and the advance of human liberty go hand in hand."  We honor these women for their contributions in furthering the cause of freedom, justice and equality. 

Among those whom the United States honors today is The Bahamas’ own Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson.  Selected by the Embassy for a special Ambassador’s Award for her years of dedication to women’s rights in The Bahamas, Dr. Dean-Patterson has been a public spokeswoman on women's rights and violence against women, making innumerable appearances on radio shows, contributing to news articles, speaking to church and civic groups, and teaching school children.   She has represented The Bahamas at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women with distinction.  She has been tireless in her support of women's rights and the fight against abuse, most recently advocating for important changes to the Domestic Violence Act.  Dr. Dean-Patterson’s work with the Bahamas Crisis Center has given help, and hope, to countless women who are subject to physical, sexual and emotional abuse.  And her work has advanced the rights of all women in The Bahamas.

Dr. Dean-Patterson and other women of courage stand as examples for the world, showing the contributions of women around the globe in furthering the cause of freedom, justice, peace, and equality.  These women have made great sacrifices in an effort to win a future for their children and for generations to come.  These are women of courage, compassion, strength, and determination, women who have transformed their societies and served as an inspiration to the international community.

Amartya Sen, the Nobel Prize-winning economist, argued that nothing is more important for development today than the economic, political and social participation of women.  I agree and I am are proud that the United States and The Bahamas are standing at the side of women throughout the world, ready to support and partner with them as they make their own choices, raise their own voices and find their own way to a brighter more hopeful future for themselves and their families.

Congratulations to Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, this year's Bahamas Woman of Courage, and to all of the international winners of the Department of State's “International Women of Courage” award.