Policy ready soon

THE Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development is in the process of finalising a National Policy on Gender.

 

Word of this from Minister Steven Blackett, who says it comes as Government recognises the challenges facing women and continues to advocate for gender equality. “Through our Bureau of Gender Affairs, we aim to be the leading agency which seeks to redress the attitudes, practices and systems, that operates as barriers to gender equality in Barbados.”

 

The Minister explained that the National Policy will be the guiding framework through which gender perspectives are brought to the forefront of national planning, legislation, programmes and activities in order to advance development.

 

Minister Blackett was speaking at a recent event hosted by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), where he commended that organisation under the leadership of President Tamita Griffith, for its ongoing advocacy on behalf of the young women of Barbados and for espousing the values of sharing, respect for all, honesty and integrity.

 

These values have played a significant role in Barbados’ continuous social and economic development. I encourage young women to participate in the programmes offered which are aimed at raising their education, social, health and economic standards, in order for them to play their rightful role in nation building.

 

The YWCA places emphasis on the education and empowerment of our young women. I share YWCA’s focus in supporting young women and encouraging them to make use of all the opportunities available to propel them into leadership roles in their workplaces as well as in their families and communities.

 

The Minister used the opportunity to highlight some of the activities carried out by the organisation, which will be celebrating its 66th anniversary next month.

 

“Over the years, the YWCA has offered several programmes to the Barbadian public aimed at assisting them in improving their skills. These programmes include the Breakfast Club, which caters to over 1 300 children, [and] a reading club for children ages 5 to 11 years of age. Also worthy of note is a youth programme which focuses on mentorship and one-on-one career development consultations to assist students, young professional and entrepreneurs.

 

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary of independence, it is evident that our country has made significant strides towards women’s equality with the assistance of organisations such as the YWCA, [but] much more still needs to be done,” he opined. (JH)