focus -- in a bid to broaden its influence to affect the entire family.

Health and Family Services Minister Wayne Furbert and Minister without Portfolio Kim Young announced the Women's Advisory Council (WAC) had changed its name to the Bermuda Family Council (BFC).

Mrs. Young, the former chairperson of WAC, said the name change reflected Government's commitment to strengthening the family unit as a whole -- in addition to addressing matters specific to women.

Mrs. Young explained WAC was formed in 1987 when Sir John Swan was Premier "to advise on issues that affect the quality of life of women in Bermuda''.

She noted that the Council helped raise awareness about issues that subsequently passed into legislation, such as amendments to the sexual harassment law and domestic violence.

And Mrs. Young suggested BFC would look into matters such as the rights of fathers not married to their child's mother.

Kehinde George, a Bermudian lawyer at Milligan-Whyte & Smith, has been appointed as the chairperson of the committee.

Ms George stated: "Many of the issues worth discussing don't pertain only to women, but to the entire family. Men form a very important part of the family.. .and some of the issues that affect single women with children also affect single men with children.'' Ms George said the BFC will address issues such as elder care, child abuse, and family leave.

But she emphasised: "We aren't giving up on women's issues... women's issues form a very important part of the Council's work.''