By the Caribbean Journal staff

A major congress in St Vincent and the Grenadines will look at the role of women in the country’s national development and how to provide for their voices to be heard.

“Women Rising, Crisis and Response: Women as Agents of Change,” will look at the concerns of rural women, the disabled, youth, indigenous and Rastafarian women, according to the government.

The congress, which will be held in March, will also examine themes like gender equity and women’s rights, along with economic development, trade and finance.

The congress is being coordinated by a committee with support from the country’s National Council of Women, the OAS and the Venezuelan Embassy.

The congress’ organizers expect to emerge with a statement reflecting a wide spectrum of women’s views, with the hope that this will ultimately influence policy.