Statement by PM Kamla at Commonwealth lecture by Sonia Gandhi

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar with Indian National Congress Chirperson, Sonia Gandhi. Commonwealth secretary general Kamlesh Sharma is in the middle

Statement by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at a Commonwealth lecture given by Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Indian national Congress and widow of the late Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi:

"I am honoured to be able to introduce, especially given the Commonwealth theme, Mrs Sonia Gandhi. A Woman Leader who has and is bringing about Change in India.

"I am delighted to have been invited to be part of this evening’s lecture by the most eminent Mrs Sonia Gandhi. I look forward to your views particularly in light of this year’s Commonwealth theme, “Women as Agents of Change.” 

"We will all agree that as a leader Mrs Sonia Gandhi has continued to bring about significant change in India. The India of today has become an area of light for the world as it transforms into a modern socially responsive economy.

"I have been captivated by Mrs Ghandi’s rapid rise as Leader of the Congress Party in India.

"Like you madam, I know what is involved in building and maintaining relations in a coalition of political parties. If I may be allowed to use a quote from your mother-in-law: 'I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people'.

"In the Commonwealth we are witness to a historic moment. Her Majesty the Queen is the Head of Commonwealth. I am privileged to hold the position as Chair-in-Office and I very much look forward to passing on the baton to another women leader who has also rapidly risen to great political heights, the Prime Minister of Australia, Honourable Julia Gillard.

"So for the foreseeable future we finally have women at the APEX of the Commonwealth. 

"This however places upon us a major responsibility to bring about the awareness and influence the reforms at all levels of our societies so as to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment to women and girls in the Commonwealth.

"History and our children and grandchildren will not fail to judge us for how we would choose to use this opportunity to create a more just world for women and girls in particular.

"Later this year on the margins of the UNGA I hope to have a colloquium of women leaders to shape an agenda which will dynamically address the issues confronting women and girls and the role of women leaders in influencing the required change

"I look forward to collaborating with you, Madam, as your experience would be vital to the process."