THE DNA’s spokesperson on social development and president of the party’s Women’s Alliance is calling for women to unite and take a stand against discrimination.

Prodesta Moore said the DNA wants civil society and women’s rights advocates to hold educational forums where Bahamian women can learn about their rights and be empowered to stand up against inequality – not only for themselves, but also the future generations of women.

“We are asking for the amendment to the constitution to prevent gender discrimination. We congratulate the PLP government for announcing their commitment and making a promise to the Bahamian people that a referendum will be presented to the public before the end of their five year terms, according to Mr Mitchell, who also stated that ‘the government is committed to removing the constitutional anomaly which exists with regard to women and the ability to pass on their citizenship to their children.’

“However, he could not give a date as to when this would take place. We are aware that there are many other pressing issues on the table that are getting full attention including the national lottery and the by-election in Abaco, but it is our view that the rights of women in this country has been overlooked for too long, and to wait four more years is four years too long.

“We cannot continue to remain silent. We are asking the government to look into this matter with urgency and begin the process immediately. We are asking that it is placed on their High Priority List and gets the urgent attention it deserves.”

As 2013 will be the 50th anniversary of the local Women’s Suffrage Movement, Ms Moore asked Bahamian women to put aside their party affiliation and stand together now.

“We have a voice that is so big that it gives us the power to influence the outcome of an election and gain majority rule, so I encourage you to once again, use your power to vote against discrimination against Bahamian women when the referendum is presented.

“As part of our celebration of 50 years for the Women’s Suffrage Movement, let us unite for the advancement of women. We have already gained political power and majority rule, but have not advanced the cause for gender equality. There is still a huge disparity in pay for women doing the same job as men; and the blatant inequality in our constitution which as it stands now, children born to a Bahamian woman and a foreign man outside of the country are not granted Bahamian citizenship and must apply like any other immigrant. By comparison, children with a Bahamian father are automatically Bahamian citizens, regardless of the nationality of the mother.”