Joan Yuille-Williams: Much more needs to be done for gender equity

Women have come a long way in society but much more needs to be done to achieve gender equity in society.

This view was expressed by Minister of Community Development Joan Yuille-Williams at the launch of activities to mark today’s International Women’s Day observance. She lauded the work done by the private sector, non-governmental organisations and religious bodies in enhancing the status of women. However, she said too many women because of the realities of their lives were still unable to celebrate IWD. Her Ministry is strengthening mechanisms to redress discrimination against women. She said this year the focus is on accountability because despite what is known about women’s issues, action has not been taken. Yuille-Williams said the number of cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse were indicators that an environment must be created where men respect laws that protect women and children, and women’s personal security must be ensured in homes and public places. She also referred to the dramatic increase in HIV/AIDS among women, saying they had moved from being on the periphery of the pandemic to the centre.

The virus highlighted “gender issues” showing women are biologically, culturally, and economically more vulnerable. Yuille-Williams said the national plan to address HIV/AIDS took into account the unequal correlation between men and women. She acknowledged that achieving equity for women cannot happen if some of them did not have the basic necessities of life — water and electricity. The Community Development Minister extended an invitation to the public to be part of the symposium on “Women’s Intervention—2020 Vision Through Gender Lenses.” (Wednesday at Hilton, 9am to 1pm). She said it is an opportunity to comment on the National Gender Policy and point out the constraints women faced, as well as comment on other issues including environment management, health and employment generation. Yuille-Williams launched the Women in Protective Services Association which has as its aims to promote women’s perspectives, and network for professional development. Snr Supt June Young-Kendall said a female voice is needed in policy making.

While women in the police service “can have a say” in policy, those in the Defence Force and Fire Service do not have the same benefit as they were in the lower ranks. Police Commissioner Hilton Guy in his greetings said women have performed the “the most important function of nurturing the nation and children” and said he would ensure that women promoted the interests of their colleagues in the service. Brigadier Ancil Antoine, Chief-of-Defence Staff lauded women in the defence force as bringing a “mellowing” of the “boys club that was the military.” He said the presence of women continue to mould the men in ways they have not envisioned.