'Women as Agents of Change' commemorated at Commonwealth Day Observance

More than 2,000 people from all over the world gathered yesterday in Westminster Abbey, London for the multi-faith Commonwealth Day Observance attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.

In a pre-recorded message, the Queen marked the 2011 theme, ‘Women as Agents of Change’, by highlighting the important role played by women in unleashing the potential of those around them. Her Majesty encouraged the citizens of the Commonwealth to give thought to ways in which they can provide support to girls and women.

The flags of Commonwealth countries were paraded through the Abbey at the start of the service which also included cultural performances from Australia, India, Trinidad and Tobago and a London-based gospel school choir.

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who is the first woman to hold the post of Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, gave a bible reading and faith leaders representing the Christian, Jain, Jewish, Sikh and Zoroastrian communities offered prayers focusing on the theme.

The Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy paid tribute to the women and girls of the Commonwealth in a specially-commissioned poem ‘A Commonwealth Blessing for Girls’. Appointed in 2009, Ms Duffy is the UK’s first woman Poet Laureate.

The hour-long Observance also included testimonies from the musician and activist Annie Lennox and economist Dambisa Moyo. Ms Lennox, who visited Malawi earlier this year as envoy for the Scottish branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, said: “Women account for more than half of all adults newly infected by HIV and it is only through equipping, supporting and empowering women that we can begin to turn the tide.

“My visit to Malawi helped me to begin to appreciate the unique reach and potential of the Commonwealth. There’s so much to be done, but with willpower, vision, and commitment, I believe that positive changes can, and absolutely must be achieved.”

Dr Moyo said: “The challenges facing women around the world are a clarion call for the Commonwealth member states to lead the international community towards improvements in economic growth, meaningfully reducing poverty, ensuring the promotion of human rights, and ultimately establishing good governance.

“Who better to lead these efforts than the Commonwealth’s 54 member states?”

The Observance was also attended by more than 1,000 schoolchildren.

‘Women as Agents of Change’ emphasises the Commonwealth message that by investing in women and girls we can accelerate social, economic and political progress in our member states. The theme has particular global resonance, coming less than a week after the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.