PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten women, like their Caribbean sisters, have always been the pillars of their societies, holding up the men, caring for their children, and working both at home and outside, to make ends meet and provide for their families, said Leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin in his International Women's Day message.

The old-fashioned notion that a woman's place is in the kitchen is no longer tenable in our times, he said. "I'm sure you are all aware of my passion for cooking. I feel quite at home in the kitchen, as I do behind a desk, and can therefore attest to the work that women do, even in the kitchens of their homes, without pay."

The Netherlands Antilles and St. Maarten have come a long way, from the days when women did not have the right to vote, to a long period of women prime ministers and women in the most important political positions.

It is no longer "a first" for a woman to head a political party, a church, or a trade union, even right here in St. Maarten, the commissioner continued.

"Leadership has become gender-neutral, thanks to the gallant efforts of women who refused to be branded as the weaker sex, and have gone out there to fight for their rights. In fact, women's rights are universal rights, and consequently, human rights as well. We men, therefore, have a big stake in ensuring that these rights are not denied, trampled upon, or otherwise watered down."

Marlin recalled that, during the AVS Political Debate for the Parliamentary Elections in January, he had sat between two St. Maarten women, Sarah Wescot-Williams and Gracita Arrindell, who deserved the respect and admiration of everyone for their contributions in the political field.

However, political empowerment alone is not enough to further advance women's rights. "As we move forward with determination and conviction towards a new St. Maarten, economic empowerment must become the new terrain to conquer, if the potential of our women is to be fully tapped for the development of our island," Marlin said.

Commenting on this year's theme, "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All," the commissioner said there could be no progress until that day when women indeed could enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal pay for equal work. "As a proud father of two daughters, I cannot think of any reason why they should receive less pay for the same work as their brothers, if they have similar qualifications."

The characteristics of St. Maarten, and by extension Caribbean, women have been the main reason why we have survived as a people to this day, he said. "Our women are among the most resourceful in the world; they can turn leftovers into the most delicious meal. Our women are very hardworking and resilient – they endure hardship without grumbling, knowing that they are sacrificing for their children to do better.

"Our women are women of faith. Their abiding faith in God and hope for the future of their children constitute the cornerstone of our march towards a brighter day for all. If you ask me, our women are living proof that beside – not behind – every successful man stands a strong and courageous woman."

He continued, "I'm sure you know, in your very own neighbourhood, women with the characteristics I've just described. There is simply no area of activity where they have not made their presence felt. What a man can do, a woman can do, sometimes, even better."

If we understand this, then we should understand that in today's world there is no room for gender discrimination. In fact, anything we do to hamper a woman's progress is an act of sabotage against the progress of all, the commissioner concluded.