Law to end child marriages soon

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs), Ayanna Webster-Roy made these disclosures yesterday at a forum titled “Democratic Dialogue: How to Institutionalise Gender Equity Issues Nationally” held at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Westmoorings.

“This is a great opportunity for us to reflect on our relationship with human rights as individuals, as members of social and cultural groups and as a society,” Webster- Roy said. “It is time to reflect on the worth of our humanity as well as the humanity of others especially those different from us and those who are vulnerable.” She added, “As we work towards expanding knowledge of human rights and building meaningful dialogue on the issue, it is crucial that we establish one central, foundational fact - human rights are the rights guaranteed to us just because we are human. There are no other qualifying criteria.” Webster-Roy explained that the forum posses a challenge for a diverse society such as TT and is something to be proud of but, in reality, this diversity has a darker side.

She said, “If we agree that our aim is a rights-based society, we must also agree that we have a long way to go.

If we understand that the effective guarantee of human rights is essential for our development goals, we must also understand the importance of open and honest dialogue.

It is in this light that the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs) understands its role.” Webster-Roy said Government’s effort to secure and provide for children is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as they realise the value in complying with international standards for the treatment and welfare of children.

Also, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Richard Blewitt, said based on the latest World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2016, Trinidad and Tobago ranked 44 out of the 136 countries, eight places lower than its 2013 ranking of 36.

He said TT has made significant strides in making gender equity a critical aspect of its socio-economic development and there have been significant legal advancements with the establishment of laws dealing with the prevention, punishment and eradication of violence against women and children.

“For example, the Family Proceedings Act 2004, which defines legal procedures for family matters and the Miscellaneous Provision (Maternity Protection and Servants) Act 2012, which increased maternity leave from 13 to 14 weeks.” He added, “Many women and girls are still being left behind in key areas. For example, in the areas of economic participation and opportunities, women’s access to financial services and other assets, vulnerability to violence and access to policy making positions.” Blewitt said he hoped that the dialogue will catalyse continued strategic action toward achieving gender equity in the coming year.