At a reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gibraltar Women’s Association, the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC, paid tribute to the Association’s historic achievements for Gibraltar’s society and the important role that the Association continues to play.

The Chief Minister welcomed the active campaigning role the GWA currently fulfils, which has greatly expanded and developed from the vision of its original founders: pioneers who took it upon themselves to ensure gender equality across all aspects of Gibraltar’s society. Mr Picardo identified that the woman who had worked in successive generations of the Women's Association had been role models for the whole of our community and not just for other women. Their example had cut across the sexual divide and inspired an equal number of women and men. However, the Chief Minister also highlighted a need to encourage and support local women to pursue political careers, adding that he would love to hand over to a socialist female Chief Minister at the end of his mandate and emphasising how well Samantha Sacramento had acted in the post of Chief Minister when covering for him.

During his address, the Chief Minister also announced that a statue celebrating the Women of Gibraltar is to be erected this year on the Queensway roundabout opposite Britannia House. The Chief Minister yesterday approved the funding for this for the coming financial year so that it will become a reality in this year that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the GWA. In response to feedback received from the GWA, the Government will also be urging the Trustees of Community Care to consider the concerns of the GWA in respect of the way that cheques are paid to that charity.

The Chief Minister said: ‘I am honoured to take this opportunity to thank the Gibraltar Women’s Association and all of its members throughout its history, and its Committee members in particular, for their dedication in improving life for all women in Gibraltar. Of course, the Association also has a very special meaning to me personally in addition to the importance it has to the local community. That is why I am proud to announce that the long-awaited statue celebrating Women in Gibraltar will finally take its rightful place in this, the Association’s 50thanniversary year’.