The Beijing Declaration is a resolution adopted by the United Nations on September 15, 1995 at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women. The objective is for the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all women. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was commemorated at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), March 10 to 21 at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA.
Hundreds of government officials, NGOs, and advocates converged to discuss the global plight of women thirty years later. No country attending CSW69 could report that it has achieved gender equality.
Some strides have been made, however. Since the Beijing Declaration, the global gender gap has been closed by 68.6%. The World Economic Forum estimates it will take another 134 years to achieve full gender parity.
The Bahamas is no exception. Gender based violence continues to be a thorn in the nation’s side. We have lost women, including seniors, and even young girls to violence. Sexual violence, including incest, persists and the scourge and the shame that comes with it. Calls continue to resonate for the laws on rape to include wives by removing the words: “who is not his spouse” from the text. Nationality laws still lean in favour of Bahamian men more than Bahamian women. These and other challenges remain a threat to the progress of gender equality in The Bahamas.
Minister of Social Services, Information & Broadcasting Myles LaRoda said while there is a way to go for gender progress, some important steps have been made. He told CSW69 that one of the critical steps requires more women leaders at decision-making levels.
At CSW69, world leaders and policy makers on women’s affairs congratulated The Bahamas for a rare global phenomenon. Women sit in the seats of Governor General, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Commissioner of Police. Attendees gravitated towards Mr. LaRoda and The Bahamas delegation to speak with them about the strides we have made that could easily be taken for granted.
He believes that Commissioner Shanta Knowles’ ascent could have a “great impact in support of the laws to protect women from violence, including being trafficked”. She will also be imperative in aiding the execution of Government programmes for assisting women and children affected by domestic violence.
Minister LaRoda added that Bahamian women are making great strides in education, and currently make up the larger percentage of students at the University of The Bahamas.
In the area of economic empowerment, he added: “We have constructed proactive programs that support gender equity with accessible funding initiatives for women and disabled entrepreneurs with great effect on the community of small business initiatives”.
In the area of health, the National Health Insurance programme has aided in a greater number of Bahamian women receiving specialised health care. Maternal mortality is down, and HIV/ AIDS Mother-to-Baby transmission rate is at 0%.
Climate change, however, presents a serious challenge to ach=eiving the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, he said.
During his official address at the UN, he added: “Like other Small Island Developing States, The Bahamas remains deeply vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, and external economic shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic struck at a time when Caribbean nations were already navigating significant challenges in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The Department of Gender and Family Affairs (DGFA) within his MInistry is leading the charge towards gender parity. DGFA successfully led the hosting of the 13th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting (13WAMM). The Bahamas still sits as chair of WAMM, with Minister LaRoda taking over the chair from the late Minister Obediah H. Wilchcombe. For this reason, Commonwealth clountries also flocked to The Bahamas delegation during CSW69.
Men’s Desk Coordinator (DGFA), Mr. Chadwick James I believes that the reason global partners praise The Bahamas for the strides it has made in women in leadership is because once women have the opportunity to lead, they can “see the cracks” and with their nurturing nature, they will fix them and leave no one behind.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Phedra Rahming Turnquest did a yeoman’s job in taking care of the administrative aspects of the trip. Having served as head of the Women’s Desk years ago, and having never stopped working for women in the country, her expertise and wisdom helped to guide the delegation through a series of events at CSW69.
Among them – a high-level side event centered around gender and climate change. Bahamas National Trust Executive Director Lakeisha Anderson-Rolle was amongst a panel of experts addressing how humans and the oceans interact, and the critical need to garner information from those who live and love the land.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal Lisa Rahming received a rousing round of applause when she spoke of the Government’s rent to own programme as well as when she called on her international colleagues to remember the rights of women who are imprisoned.
President of the Senate Lashell Adderley was lauded for her unique position and she offered sage advice to other Senators in attendance. Representing The Bahamas was also Senator Ja’Ann Major and Senator Maxine Seymour, who lent to the discussions.
Ms Melvelyn Symonette headed DGFA’s team, which was also joined by officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Women’s Advisory Council.
Hon. Consul General Leroy Major, H.E. Stan Smith and the entire Bahamas Mission team provided tremendous support to an outstanding delegation, which engaged continuously with delegates from other countries, and brought back new perspectives on how to chart the path forward for Bahamian women and girls.
Source: Felicity Darville
