The island has taken one huge step ahead with discussion on the National Gender Policy and what it should specify.
That discussion which took place at the Fort Young Hotel served as a way to include nationals in the formulation of this policy that will seek to promote fairness and equality among men, women and children.
Facilitated by VF Inc, the consultation was opened with remarks by Dr. Valda Henry, CEO of VF Inc. She commented on the necessity of a National Gender Policy.
“When we look at the data in Dominica on violence and abuse, yes its violence against women, against the female but the data is really stark and worrying because it demonstrates that out of that violence while 85% being women, 75% of that data demonstrates its young people, persons below the age of consent which is 16 and that is worrying. Out of that, the majority being young girls and the abuse of the greatest frequency is sexual abuse and molestation. If as a society we cannot come together to protect our children, what can we come together for? If there was no other call, it is the call to protect our children but with that call is also the call to protect our women.”
The Minister for Community Development and Gender Affairs, Hon. Gloria Shillingford delivered the featured address at that forum.
She listed the specific areas which the policy will target.
“The existing National Policy and Action Plan for Gender Equity and Equality for the Commonwealth of Dominica provides a framework for promoting equality between men and women to advance national development and so its overall goal is to promote gender equity, equality, social justice and sustainable human and economic development. This is crucial at this time when there are many gender issues facing our nation in areas of critical importance to the society including leadership and governance, economic growth, agriculture and food security, climate change and national resource management, layman employment, poverty reduction and social protection, health and wellbeing, education and human capital development, violence and human security.”
Rosie Browne, Director of The Bureau of Gender Affairs explained that, “Where a gender policy is in place and implemented, it helps advance development and works for the economic and social development of a country and its human resource.”
With such focused attention on gender equality, Browne says Dominica has been ahead of the region on the matter of a national policy on gender.
The policy, though commonly thought to be focused on women, is specifically aimed at both men and women as well as children.
Although spearheaded by Government, the formulation of such a policy is nationally-beneficial and something to be embraced.
It is hoped that the tenets of the policy will come to be known by all, much like the words of the National Anthem.