During the celebration of International Women’s Day, parliamentarian Eduard Pieters attended a symposium organized by Soroptimist International Aruba, an event dedicated to the empowerment of women and the protection of their dignity in society.
The gathering was much more than a symbolic celebration. It was a moment of deep reflection on the social realities that Aruba is facing. Three professionals shared their perspectives, but one presentation that deeply impacted Pieters was the talk by Eugene Clementia, which addressed the topic of trauma passed from generation to generation.
According to Pieters, this is one of the most important discussions that Aruba must begin to take seriously.
Intergenerational trauma: A reality we do not discuss enough
Intergenerational trauma is a concept increasingly recognized in modern psychology. More importantly, it is a social reality reflected in many of the problems that we see every day in Aruba.
Relationship violence, domestic abuse, addiction, and family breakdown do not appear overnight. Often their roots lie in trauma that was never addressed—trauma that is passed from family to family and from generation to generation.
“No person or child wakes up in the morning deciding to become addicted or to abuse a woman,” Pieters stated. “These behaviors often have roots in the past, in trauma, in experiences that a person has lived through since childhood.”
Understanding this is an essential step toward preventing violence and building a healthier society.
Relationship violence is a problem across all levels of society
Another important point raised during the symposium was that relationship violence does not discriminate. It does not matter what someone’s economic status, level of education, neighborhood, or profession may be.
The problem exists across all levels of society. For Pieters, this shows that Aruba must address this issue more seriously. Education about trauma, emotions, and healthy relationships should become part of a national conversation.
Events such as this symposium are not only important for women but also equally important for men.
“Understanding is the first step toward changing behavior,” Pieters emphasized.
Our past also shapes our present
A deep reflection that emerged during the discussion was the impact of history on the social identity of our people. Aruba, like many Caribbean societies, has a complex past that includes slavery, the Holocaust, migration, and historical trauma.
Many families in Aruba have roots connected to generations who lived through traumatic circumstances. According to Pieters, ignoring the past does not solve anything.
“If we do not understand our past, it becomes difficult to understand our present and build a different future,” he said.
Social healing begins with recognizing history and being open to dialogue.
Respect for women must exist 365 days a year
Pieters emphasized that International Women’s Day should not remain limited to a symbolic date.
“Respect for women must be a permanent value in our society. Women form the backbone of families and communities. They are our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters.
Protecting the dignity of women means creating a society where violence has no place, where emotional education is important, and where respect is fundamental,” Eduard stated.
For Pieters, events organized by Soroptimist Aruba clearly show that Aruba needs to create more space for dialogue about trauma, violence, and emotional health. This issue is not only social,
it is a national matter.
“If we want to combat relationship violence, addiction, and family breakdown, we must begin with understanding our past, educating our present, and taking responsibility for our future,” Eduard concluded.
Because a strong nation is not built only with economy and infrastructure.
A strong nation is built with respect, understanding, and the healing of its people.