The island’s Gender Affairs Council plans to embark on a community awareness campaign to further its work before the year’s end.

The equality body, which was created in January 2023, has been working to build a “sound gender affairs framework” for the island, the Government said.

The ten-member body is tasked with monitoring critical gender issues including domestic violence, gender pay disparity and gender discrimination, to effect meaningful legislative and policy changes for a fair and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Youth, Social Protection and Seniors has allocated funding to support the council’s research alongside educational campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness and stimulating policy reform.

Later this year, the council plans to establish a platform for community engagement, with the public able to send in comments, queries and suggestions.

A government spokeswoman said: “The council also plans to develop information pamphlets for greater education and awareness of its work.”

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “The Gender Affairs Council is critical in advancing gender equality in Bermuda.

“I am proud to support the council as it begins to target initiatives that will uplift and empower all members of our community, ensuring Bermuda is as diverse as it is vibrant."

Ms Furbert encouraged residents to get acquainted council’s work and provide feedback.

She added: “These initiatives align with Bermuda’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and we are proud to be doing our part in this endeavour.”

Lucie Fremlova, chairwoman of the council, participated in a “training of trainers“ workshop on social gender norms and violence against women hosted last year by Caricom.

She was trained in the use of a regional knowledge, attitude and practice methodology known as KAP.

The data collection method assesses different countries on topics such as gender equality, sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence and child marriage.

The council is developing a KAP research method specific to Bermuda’s socio-economic, cultural and legal context, to be used as a springboard to examine gender in the island.

According to Caricom, the procedure would also aid in developing evidence-based programmes for changing social norms to scale up prevention.

The Gender Affairs Council consists of Dr Fremlova, with Whitnii Levon as deputy chairwoman, and council members senator Arianna Hodgson, Tina Laws, Calvin Stovell, Tierrai Tull, Ashun Wolffe, Linda Bogle-Miezner and Jessica Steede.