Dear Editor,

It is admirable to see the country paying homage to the extraordinary women who have paved the way for the women of this country to vote. Women like Mary Ingraham and Grace Wilson have pioneered the way for women's rights and to lead our country closer to majority rule, and independence thereafter.
The women's suffrage symposium held by The College of The Bahamas (COB) in March of this year was indeed timely. It highlighted the 50th anniversary of this event and provided valuable information pertaining to the struggle of women back in the 1950s and 1960s, and speakers like Janet Bostwick and Dr. Nicolette Bethel have commended the women of the past while addressing the issues that women face today.
And most recently, the celebration of 39 years of independence did an emphasis on women's suffrage with an art gallery exhibit showcasing women like Dame Doris Johnson and Eugenia Lockhart in Rawson Square as well as the roundabouts on the island.
It is a heartfelt feeling to know that the works of such women did not come in vain as they are receiving - though late - their rightful credit for their contributions. I would have to beg though, are we giving credit to the correct people?
Lady Marguerite Pindling has been instrumental in assisting her husband in achieving independence in this country. But let us not forget that in the 1950s, while she was a young secretary in a firm, it was Georgianna Symonette and Nora Hannah who were responsible for the grassroots movement of that time. Helping her husband to win his seat and actual women's rights were two different things.
Let us not forget that while Lady Marguerite Pindling walked with elegance as the first lady with her white gloves and pearl earrings, it was Janet Bostwick who thrust through the all-male dominated House of Assembly and Senate to be the first elected woman to have a seat in the House of Assembly. Assisting someone in winning his seat and actually winning your own seat are two different things.
Let us not forget that while Lady Marguerite Pindling was respected for being a wonderful "homemaker and grandmother" for her family, it was Italia Johnson who became the first female speaker who - in a sense - became the 'homemaker' of the House of Assembly for the country. All mothers and wives are exceptionally well at being good homemakers, but being a 'homemaker' at your house, and being the 'homemaker' at the House of Assembly are two different things.
So you see, I'm sure Lady Marguerite Pindling was great at doing her 'wifely' duties of her day by supporting her husband in his endless endeavors, raising a wonderful family, and presenting herself as a distinguished young woman; but if that's the criteria for being honored for women's suffrage 50th anniversary, then perhaps we should include - if not all - but at least half of the rest of the women population in this country. There are women who do this everyday. Do we see them on the posters on the roundabout, or do we hear them being recognized in symposiums?
We don't. The now Dame Marguerite Pindling has been given a privileged life; and to add more glitz to her glamor by honoring her for something that the average women does everyday is complete embellishment. It seems to be more politically motivated than genuine appreciation. If we are giving her credit for what she has done, then I say to give it to all of the other women who do what she did. If not, I say her poster should be taken down from her pedestal erected on the roundabouts.

- Danae O'Brien

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