Child abuse and abuse against women in Bermuda is increasing at an alarming rate.

That was the message from Opposition MP Ms Renee Webb, who spoke out strongly on the issue at an Human Rights Day service held by Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission recently.

To prove her point, Ms Webb cited a litany of recent newspaper headlines where children have been targets of abuse at the hands of adults.

"Child abuse involves a hurt child. Whether that child is shaken to death by her father, sexually abused by an aging grandfather or tied up and gagged by a teacher,'' she said.

"We live in a society where violence and drugs usage is a daily occurrence.

Unfortunately very often it is the child that bears the brunt.'' Parenting skills she said, need to be improved as many parents lack sufficient time, nurturing and patience to rear their children.

"Couples are having children but many do not qualify as parents. Children are being put at risk through neglect and in some cases outright desertion,'' she said.

The teaching of parenting skills in schools, she said, should be compulsory.

But the message appeared lost on her audience, composed mostly of fidgeting primary school children and mentally challenged young adults.

In the second half of her speech she tackled the issue of abuse and inequality of women. She said there are endless examples of women who have suffered "gross human violations'' are worldwide.

A draft document to be produced by the Fourth United Nations World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China next year is applicable to Bermuda, she said.

Issues covered by the draft include: Violence against women.

Inequality between men and women at all levels.

Inefficient mechanisms to promote the advancement of women.

Lack of awareness and commitment to internationally and nationally recognised women's rights.

The Women's Advisory Council may send a delegation to attend the conference next September.

Bermudian women, Ms Webb said, still have a long way to go to achieve equal participation in the development of the country.

"We only have to look at the Legislature, the boards of directorships, the CEOs of corporate Bermuda to see that we are under represented to say the least,'' she said.

"We are the majority of the population and the majority of the work force, but scarcely visible in a leadership capacity.'' Ms Webb instructed women to take more responsibility for their condition by joining together to lobby and support one another.

And she applauded women's organisations, the Coalition for the Protection of Children and Amnesty International for their fight to achieve the recognition of rights of women and children locally.

LIGHT OF HOPE -- Miss Samantha Aguiar lit a candle recently at a Human Rights Day held by Amnesty International Bermuda and the Human Rights Commission at Astwood Hall. The Amnesty candle is in memory of victims of abuse, particularly women and children languishing in prison.