Wonderful encounters...
As 8 March is International Women's Day, the Overseas Minister's programme included a discussion break with ten female figures representing Saint Martin society. It was a wonderful opportunity for exchange.
Naïma Moutchou is a woman who stands up for herself and defends her convictions. A lawyer, politician and mother of three, she quickly felt at ease and on the same wavelength as the ten personalities waiting for her at the Maison des Femmes. Around the table, for an hour, they discussed topics that resonate with all women, whether from overseas or elsewhere.
Saint Martin is a land of women
Sibel Aidin, director of the Maison des Femmes, began the round table discussion, the aim of which was to present, through the work and experiences of each of these women, both the specific characteristics of the territory and its shortcomings and hopes.
Ida Zin-Ka-Ieu (business leader and president of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council), Vernicia Brooks (president of the parents' association and president of the Nature Valley association in Colombier), Evelyne Fleming (deputy vice-chancellor), Erica Stephen (Soualiwomen Kultural Association), Daisy Germaine (delegate for security and public tranquillity for the Collectivité, reservist in the gendarmerie and national police), Juliette Irish (director of Nature is the Key), Aude Canale-Fatou (president of the Maison des Femmes, in charge of the addiction centre), Ketty Karam (former president of the Red Cross and member of the Sandy Ground neighbourhood council), Farah Viotty (psychomotor therapist and clinical psychologist), Jositania Rijo, ward of the Nation and now head of the association "L'un pour l'autre" (One for the other)... took turns recounting their journeys, talking about culture, culinary specialities and other light-hearted topics, before addressing more serious concerns such as parent-child relationships and mental health, and raising their needs, such as the lack of cultural venues, among other things.
These were all issues that resonated with the minister. Given her Moroccan origins, Naïma Moutchou confided that she could relate to some of the causes being defended. "There is a lot to be done," she acknowledged, "but I am tenacious!" "We are not going to revolutionise anything because the political and economic context does not allow it, but we are going to develop small projects, without making grand speeches. Contacts have been made, and we will be able to build the most effective solutions possible, because the current international context helps to spread the word about overseas territories."
Naïma Moutchou knows how to pass on information. She submits, as she puts it, "her little shopping list" to the higher-ups... let's hope that the few additions made by these ladies to her list will find a sympathetic ear.
On her social media accounts, the minister praised this meeting "with exceptional women who are actively involved in the life of the territory in the areas of health, safety, education and culture. Their backgrounds are rich and diverse, but their determination is the same: to help the people of Saint-Martin move forward!"
