As reflected by Carla N. Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, they must not lose sight of many issues that stand in the way of achieving women´s equality.

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, CARICOM included among these difficulties political participation, domestic and unpaid care work, impact of climate change and gender-based violence, which is a public health crisis regionally.

According to global average, one in three women faced physical or sexual violence at some point in her life, usually by her partner, Barnett said.

As we observe this year’s date, our thoughts and prayers are with ladies and girls in Haiti, who have been experiencing the most severe violations, she added.

CARICOM secretary-general urged protecting women and girls as top priority, in addition to working for greater representation of them in all leadership and decision-making areas.

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