WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare (SOAW) strongly condemns a recent advertising activity in which women were used as provocative models to promote a traffic event. This action, which exploited their bodies as propaganda material, is completely contrary to fundamental moral values and standards of decency. Such actions not only degrade the dignity of women, but also contribute to the harmful normalization of gender demoralization in society.
The Minister of SOAW, Ms. Dayanara Chin-A-Lien Roozendal, stated that it is "unacceptable to continue reducing women to mere symbols of pleasure for commercial or entertainment purposes. This incident reinforces outdated and harmful stereotypes that diminish the important role women play in our communities and promote gender inequality." The image of young women presented in this manner is not only disrespectful to their self-worth but also sends a troubling message to the next generation regarding the role and value of women in society.
Additionally, carrying out such actions on highly trafficked public roads adds another layer of irresponsibility due to the potential traffic obstruction, causing unusual distractions on our roads.
The Ministry of SOAW reiterates its firm stance against any form of gender demoralization and urges event organizers, businesses, and the general community to reject practices that degrade women. The ministry encourages responsible promotional methods that align with ethical standards, thereby fostering a society that values all individuals equally.
As part of the ratification and implementation of the Istanbul Convention, a treaty that Curaçao is working to ratify alongside other islands in the Kingdom, the Ministry of SOAW will launch awareness campaigns that directly address this issue of gender demoralization. The Istanbul Convention is a human rights treaty aimed at combating violence against women and domestic violence. It provides clear instructions in several articles focusing on awareness and gender equality. "As part of its implementation, the Ministry of SOAW will work relentlessly to weaken the strong stereotypes we have allowed to grow over the years. One of these is the demoralization of women," the minister concluded.