The House of Assembly heard of efforts by Caricom to address the challenges of gender inequality, creating a draft strategy to tackle the issue.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said she had taken part in several meetings with representatives from the region as the plan was put together.

She described the draft gender strategy as a working document for Caricom member states to use as a guideline for addressing gender inequality that will need to be ratified.

“Equality is the foundation of an inclusive, thriving society. However, no nation in the world has achieved gender equality,” Ms Furbert said. “The draft strategy shows Caricom’s collective commitment to be a beacon of hope not just in the region, but for the world to follow in achieving equality for all.

“To ensure the Caricom region continues its journey to achieve gender equality, the draft strategy focuses on actions to reduce social and economic inequalities that adversely affect the lives of women and men across the Caribbean.

“The strategy’s mission is to strengthen the promotion and practice of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls to enhance regional integration and sustainable development to benefit all people.

“The goal is to accelerate the effective implementation of priority actions through a regional co-ordinated approach to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

Ms Furbert told the House that she had been involved in several virtual meetings organised by Caricom on the topic.

She added that in October she took part in Caricom’s 31st special meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development focused on gender.

“The meeting provided an opportunity to collaboratively review the strategy and discuss its implementation and monitoring framework,” Ms Furbert said.

“The meeting allowed member states and associate members to provide feedback. In attendance were ministers, permanent secretaries and representatives who shared or reiterated the gender position of their respective countries during the meeting as aligned with their domestic legislation or policies.”

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CARICOM’s Draft Gender Strategy.pdf

The council met again last month for a two-day discussion and presentation.

She said: “The meeting provided an opportunity for the ministry to contribute to the content of the Caricom gender strategy, gain insightful information about gender affairs and network with other ministers in the Caricom region on broader gender-related matters, which in turn will help in the development of a gender affairs structure in Bermuda.”

Ms Furbert said the draft strategy was focused on seven pillars, including gender equality and social inclusion, freedom from violence, economic empowerment, good governance, access to health services, inclusive quality education and sustainable natural resource management.

• For the minister’s full statement, see Related Media