Gender Affairs is calling on local artists its partners in the public and private sectors to join the division's efforts to assist the women and children of Haiti who have been affected by the recent earthquake.

Under the auspices of the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Gender Affairs, Dr. Hon. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, the division plans for a relief concert to coincide with annual International Women's Day activities.  The concert will feature an all-female cast of performers in a display of solidarity to the women and children who have lost their loved ones, homes, and health security as a result of the tragedy that struck the nation on 12 Jan 10.
 
With a number of relief efforts currently being organised to meet the immediate needs of Haitians, the Directorate of Gender Affairs hopes the proceeds will help to raise and address some of the long-term and systemic issues arising from disaster situations, particularly as they affect women and children.
 
According to Executive Director, Ms. Sheila Roseau, “The gender implications of natural disasters are critical to address when we explore any and all efforts to provide relief.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that women and children account for over 75 percent of [people] who are displaced when disasters strike. Furthermore, during these difficult times, women are vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health problems, increased attacks of sexual and domestic violence, and daily challenges in their caregiving responsibilities to their families. We wish to provide support for efforts to address these systemic challenges.”
 
With the Haitian crisis hitting so close to this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) - 8 Mar 10, the Directorate of Gender Affairs will highlight the issues as part of its annual gender sensitisation campaign.
 
The division is calling on all interested local female performers to sign up to volunteer their talents, and for local businesses and organisations to partner with Gender Affairs in promoting the effort, and provide support to the women and children of Haiti. The concert is expected for the Saturday following IWD - 13 Mar 10.
 
Anyone interested in contributing to this relief effort is invited to contact the Directorate of Gender Affairs at 462.3990 or 462.1411.