Paul Wright | Don't blame the women Mr Cameron

The role of women in society has been a sort of roller coaster ride. In the beginning, the role of women seemed to be restricted to producing children and taking care of their men and children, being very careful not to be too "uppity" in wanting a say in their role as persons with ideas and the ability to contribute to the improvement of their society and, indeed, the world.

Women have been fighting for years, for the opportunity to have someone - anyone - recognise and appreciate the fact that they (women) can contribute and have a role to play in shaping and improving the world in which they live. This month, February, is the 100th anniversary of women in England earning the right to vote, once they were over 30 years of age and owned £5 worth of property. This landmark decision came after years of struggle by a group of women in England who were determined to achieve this landmark goal. Their cause was helped by Emily Davison, a fighter for women's rights, who threw herself in front of a horse owned by King George V during the Epsom derby in 1913. She was trampled to death, becoming a martyr for the cause.

Then in 1970, Germaine Greer published a book titled the Female Eunuch. Ms Greer protested the fact that women in the '60s were forced to assume submissive roles in society to fulfill male fantasies of what being a woman entailed. This pioneering lady told anyone who would listen that her aim was not equality with men, as she did not see a female's potential in terms of the men's actual. This sparked a kind of revolution that resulted in more and more women being recognised as human beings being capable of contributing positively in every sphere of human endeavour.

There has been a noted and well recognised kick-back by men who feel challenged and even emasculated by the upward mobility of women. Indeed, I do believe that one of the reasons why the Muslim religion is one of the fastest-rising religions in the world has something to do with the role of women in traditional Muslim countries.

Used as scapegoats

As women continue to achieve positions in society, unheard of 50 years ago, the backlash has intensified. If anything goes wrong, as happens, more often than we would like or care to admit, a scapegoat is sought. Woe to any women who are in charge or even near to anyone who is in charge.

When the young West Indian cricketers won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup of Cricket in 2016, the President of West Indies Cricket, Whycliffe 'Dave' Cameron, almost fell as he rushed to claim paternity for the victory. In the face of open revolt from the best adult cricketers, who objected to his leadership style, this victory, in his eyes, vindicated his "leadership style" that was criticised by prime ministers of some of the member Islands of the West Indies, fans, and experts hired by the board that he led.

As he preened on regional television and in media, I never heard a peep about the influx of female physical education (PE) teachers in the region hurting cricket. In fact, a lot of praise was heaped on the "grass roots" programme that his board initiated as the proverbial "corner" was turned in the desperate struggle to return West Indies cricket to the glory days of yesteryear.

But now, as the ODI team leaves for an elimination tournament, in which, if the team does not win their group, the unthinkable would be achieved: no presence in the next World Cup! So, what to do? Look for a scapegoat!

Let's blame women

So instead of looking inwards and admitting (finally) that his leadership has failed, Mr Cameron now blames women PE teachers and looks to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to do something, "and come up with more innovative ideas to play the sport and grow its popularity". Once again, the macho male, faced with failure, looks around for a scapegoat, and voil‡, let's blame women!

The answer to the continued decline in the fortunes of West Indies cricket lies in the embracing of those who were there, "been there, done that," past players and coaches who KNEW what made us great, and if given the chance, CAN make West Indies cricket relevant again. The present set-up has failed, is failing, and will continue to fail until humility in leadership and a recognition that "the human tongue has done more damage and caused more heartaches than any other source of trouble".

"What we say cuts far deeper than any knife or sword "(Charles Swindoll). When a finger is pointed at a "scapegoat", be very aware that three fingers are pointed right back at the accuser. Women PE teachers are not "hurting cricket". We are producing West Indian cricketers with an abundance of talent. All that is needed is leadership from the top and a selection policy that gives science (medicine) an opportunity to work hand in hand with our young talented players. We can be great again!