National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan will be fully operational soon: Minister Hamilton

St Kitts and Nevis: The government of the Federation has shared updates on the National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan 2022-2027. The Federation stated that the plan would be fully operationalized in coming weeks, “when it is laid in the Federal Parliament of St Kitts and Nevis“.

“National Gender Equality Policy & Action Plan 2022-2027 will be fully operationalized in the upcoming weeks when it is laid in the Federal Parliament of SKN,” the government of the Caribbean country stated.

The government outlined the benefits of the policy and mentioned that it would perform as a guild for the day-to-day operation of the Department of Gender Affairs. It will contribute to empowering men, women, boys and girls to achieve their full potential and will also help them in fully participating in all development areas.

The authority added that this policy would also outline the responsibilities, as well as roles of civil society, that will contribute to promoting and maintaining gender equality.

During an edition of Leadership Matters, on March 15, 2022, the Minister of Gender Affairs – Eugene Hamilton, was quoted saying that ministries have reviewed the policy. Only after their consent the policy was moved forward.

The minister mentioned, “The Cabinet has reviewed as well as approved the policy. As a next step, it would be represented in Parliament when next time we meet.”

He further stated that this ‘important document’ upholds the concept of fairness for all residents of St Kitts and Nevis.

He further underscored that this National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan 2022-2027 would contribute to raising awareness about the new Federal initiatives after it would be publicly launched.

Hamilton stated that according to him, all women and families must have a copy of the policy as this will help them to understand how they might improve their living standards, based on the suggestions, recommendations provided in it”.

Earlier, the Minister announced – to uplift the women of St Kitts and Nevis, the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs has partnered with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This initiative will help in the development of various training programmes for women.

At that time, he took a moment to acknowledge two women who will contribute their 100 years in March. “Angeline Matthew will celebrate her 100th birthday on Thursday 24th March 2022 at a church in Sandy Point while Esther Harris of St. Peter’s will celebrate her centenary anniversary on Friday, 25th March 2022.”