Gender Affairs Department Gender

The Development of a National Gender Policy

A National Gender Policy is a critical instrument which reaffirms the Government’s commitment to gender equity and equality. It provides a framework to guide and inform the development of the Federation in regards to gender issues.  It is an important policy for successful Gender Mainstreaming and allows for the integration of a gender perspective and gender analysis into the design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of all government policies, programmes and projects. The Department is currently seeking assistance for the development of a National Gender Policy.

Public Awareness of gender based violence (GBV)

Public awareness of issues related to power imbalances between men and women, as well as other issues, are a significant part of the work of the Department. The plan of action to reduce domestic violence (DV) includes implementing programmes to educate and raise awareness of acts of DV which constitute criminal offences and a violation of human rights.

To sensitize the public to GBV, the Department has used various forms of media such as newspaper columns, radio and television programmes, has organised street campaigns, marches and vigils, and has established counseling, healing and support programmes for victims in abusive relationships, as well as for perpetuators of DV. Additionally, a number of Domestic Violence Workshops were also conducted, to sensitize persons to the core issues of this type of violence, to explore its root causes and to offer support to the victims. Target groups for sensitization have included Police Soldiers Firemen Officers, High and Primary Schools students, single parents and members of religious groups.

A Domestic Violence Batterer Intervention Programme was undertaken in collaboration with the United States Peace Corp through a male volunteer with experience working with similar programmes in the United States. The key activities included:

• Public Awareness of the programme in the print and electronic media
• The development of a memorandum of understanding amongst the agencies that work with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse

A pilot programme was implemented with the formation of a support group of reformed batterers. Following this initiative, a Batterer Intervention Programme was adapted locally in collaboration with the Legal Aid clinic, The Judiciary, The Counselling Unit, and Her Majesty’s Prison.

Legislation pertaining to the Protection of Women include:

• Age of Majority Act (2002)
• Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act (2002)
• Marriage Act (2002)
• Married Women’s Property Act (revised 2002)
• Female Persons of Unsound Mind Act (2002)
• Offences Against the Person Act (2002) (Violence Offences such as Murder, Rape and Defilement of Women)
• Childcare and Protection Act (2003)
• Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act, (2008)
• Divorce Act (revised 2009)
• Guardianship, Custody and Access to Children Act (2012)
• Maintenance of Children Act (2012)
• Equal Pay Act (2012)
• Children (Care and Adoption) Act (2013)
• Domestic Violence Act (2000,2014)