NEW YORK - Prime Minister of Aruba, Evelyn Wever-Croes; Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Silveria Jacobs; and Vice Prime Minister of Curaçao, Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, are attending a conference at the United Nations on the status of women. During this week's conference, they will discuss global and Caribbean women's advancements and address growing challenges. 

“Last week, we celebrated International Women's Day in Aruba. During all the meetings I attended last Friday, the desire of women to be heard and to see more participation of women in our community came forward. A recent survey by the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS) showed that 90% of people want to see more women in government and parliament positions. Unfortunately, in Aruba, we still see a serious issue with the rate of violence against women and girls. 

All these issues are addressed at the United Nations in the 'Commission on the Status of Women' conference. I will attend the first two days of the conference, during which I will deliver the statement on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Additionally, I will meet with institutions assisting us in the fight for women's rights, such as UN Women and the World Bank. 

It is always good to demonstrate what all our people are doing in Aruba in this field, in the public sector, academic sector, voluntary organizations, and NGOs. It is essential to listen to what can be done and receive assistance to achieve our goals," said Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes.