Glenda Simms, Contributor
IN THE JUNE 23RD edition of The Daily Gleaner, Professor Denis Benn pointed out to his readers that CARICOM has the potential to create an economic miracle like the one which typifies the prosperity of Singapore.
This can be achieved, says Benn if the nation states of the region move beyond insularity and strive to cooperate on all fronts.
Professor Benn's line of thinking has been exemplified in the region by efforts of the individuals, institutions and governmental bodies who represented the Caribbean region at the Fourth World Conference on Women which was held in Beijing, China in 1995.
Out of this regional planning for this event, women cooperated very successfully in the post-Beijing period and produced a regional plan that articulated for CARICOM the urgent issues and the solutions that could make the Caribbean Community a zone of social justice and gender equity.
These, the women believe, are the foundation stones on which the community can build a viable integrated economy.
It provides an atmosphere in which the free movement of goods and services not only work to our mutual and economic social benefit but is carried out amongst nation states which subscribe to the inherent dignity of all their peoples.
To meet these lofty goals, the CARICOM plan of action for gender equality and equity reviewed the remaining systemic barriers that continue to prevent men and women from full participation in a number of arenas.
They pointed out the unequal results between boys and girls at the tertiary levels of education. They noted the overrepresentation of the region's women amongst the victims of HIV-AIDS.
VIOLENCE
The issue of the continuing horrific levels of violence against women and girls of the region was also highlighted.
They called for political reform so that women can be equitably represented at all levels of power and decision-making.
They asked their leaders to consider quantifying the real cost of unwaged work and factor this in any discussion on the economy.
So, as the male leaders of the CARICOM region meet in the 21st century, the women of the region expect them to discuss the economic and trade issues, the health and education issues, and the human resources and all social issues within a framework of gender equity and social justice.
To this end, our leaders need to confront the issue of domestic and sexual violence against women and children.
They need to revisit the controversial issue of sex tourism and see if there is a link between this sector and the spread of HIV-AIDS.
They need, on this issue, to remember that the CARICOM region is second only to sub-Saharan Africa in the spread and impact of this pandemic.
While they discuss the troubling issue of the preponderance of teenage pregnancies in the region, they will need to discuss the cross-cultural and cross-national mindset that is deeply rooted in patriarchal values.
These are the values that still equate desirable masculinity with brute force procreation and the control of all important power bases in the social, economic and political arenas.
It is therefore important for the CARICOM heads of states to consider how to control the cross-border transference of negative attitudes and corrosive value systems that will continue to erode the status of women and children in the region.
LAW AND ORDER
Our leaders must ensure that in each member state there are laws and regulations to deal with these thorny issues. We know that the people of the region have a common history, and a common hope for betterment.
We also know that when CARICOM nationals migrate they demonstrate their enormous capacity to embrace change and to give their best efforts to any activity in which they are engaged.
Even those who were "hang arounds" and unmotivated in their nation states, learn in that "quick step" from aeroplane to terra firma to quickly "pull up their socks" and to respect the laws of Canada, the United States, Britain and other Euro-dominated cultures.
Against this reality, CARICOM member states need to promote and maintain democratic approaches to law and order and support an educational system that teach personal responsibility, a strong sense of self, a commitment to the work ethic and to zero tolerance of all forms of violence in the entire region.
Finally, many women and some men are still wondering why in 2003 the CARICOM region still presents to the rest of the world a solid "all male" picture of Heads of States.
We are all left to wonder if any of the mainstream political parties of the region have in place a succession plan that will give men and women of all classes and castes equal access to the top leadership of the parties.
In fact, we need to ask when and if the educational successes of women will translate into the Prime Ministership of significant numbers of these territories.
At this point in our history and development, Jamaica should provide the perfect setting in which our leaders can ponder and find suitable answers to these irritating questions.
Dr. Glenda Simms is the executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs.
