By Yasmin Esack, Guest Writer
It seems, judging from the topics presented on this forum, that the whole issue of gender affairs and women’s rights will be a call for action by the CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago next month. We have read the stirring comments from Adepeju Mabadeje and lately, Dr. Gabrielle Hosein. I feel that government heads who are attending this meeting should better be prepared to listen to the loud calls for real action on women’s issues that are constantly swept under the carpet.
The issue of abortion rights is going to be back with a bang this 
time. Significant percentages of populations in developing and underdeveloped countries are calling for abortions to be legalised. In these countries, it seems that governments simply do not want to deal with the matter. So, the poor woman with an unwanted pregnancy is left alone with a big, very serious problem. Where will she turn? To someone who will perform an abortion with no kind words and no support. Is this right? ‘Mistakes’ can happen to anyone and indeed they happen quite often. It is time for the powers that be to listen! To bring a child into this world is the easy part. Bringing up the child is incredibly challenging for the poor and even the not so poor. You must have heard of parents who sell their children to survive in India.
More financial assistance must be given to the Family Planning Associations in developing countries and these should be headed by women. Women in difficult situations must have a place to turn and a supportive and soothing voice to guide them in these times.
Other issues not addressed sufficiently include sexual abuse, violence of the worst kind and low pay packets coupled with oppressive work conditions.
We have heard so much of the Commonwealth Action Plan for Gender equality 2005 and Millennium Development Goals. Now we have the CHOGM concept paper 2009.
At the end of the day, who is listening to our poor women?
Isn’t it time to support the legalisation of abortion?
