Feb 17 - Gibraltar Women's Association Marks 50th Anniversary
The Gibraltar Women’s Association marked its 50th anniversary, launching the new website and unveiling the new logo during the celebrations.
The event was held at the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club last night, and was open to members past and present, and government ministers, as well as members of the opposition were present to show their support.
The audience heard from a number of speakers, including a speech made by the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, made on behalf of his mother Magda Picardo who was one of the founder members of the Housewives Association, as it was first known, in 1966.
He said: “The concept of the Gibraltar Women’s Association is not just the idea of women getting together, but about role models and the work that has endured and has changed this community.”
During his speech, Mr Picardo announced a statue would be erected in the Queensway Road roundabout in honour of women in Gibraltar. He also promised he would look into the issue about community care cheques being made out in the husband’s name, which was raised by members.
The new elected Chairperson Amber Turner gave an insight into the history of the association and explained the association’s position in today’s society. She also unveiled the new logo by Gerry Martinez.
Ms Turner said: “Why is it significant that we are celebrating 50 years? It is because the association has never been made redundant, it has always had a significance, and this means that it is as essential to shaping our community today as it ever was.”
A letter from founder Angela Smith was read out by her daughter Julie Gonzalez, and lifelong member and former chairperson Mariola Summerfield said ultimately what she wants to see is equal treatment for men and women in Gibraltar.
Starting off as the Housewives’ Association, it is one of the oldest associations on the Rock, and was formed in reaction to many local and international issues that affected Gibraltar after World War Two.
The audience heard of the time when Mrs Smith and Mrs Summerfield flew to London to hand over a petition to Her Majesty protesting for the protection of Gibraltar's sovereignty.
The objectives of the Gibraltar Women’s Association are to be a voice for women to protect the interests of the community, to promote gender equality, to highlight and counter discrimination against women in Gibraltar, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas between women and to promote and pursue philanthropic projects as to empower others.
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