International Women’s Day – 8 March 2012

March 8th marks 101 years of the worldwide observance of International Women’s Day. The day serves as a powerful reminder to honour the achievements and struggles of women.

This year’s theme is Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures which underlines the importance of supporting young women to help them achieve their goals. If we want today’s girls and young women to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, politicians, doctors, lawyers, scientists, athletes, carpenters, pilots, and engineers, we have to ensure they have support from peers, mentors and organizations in the community.

Government assists in these efforts by upholding women’s rights and putting in place proper programmes, policies and legal mechanisms to advance and protect women and girls. Inequality, abuse and discrimination have no place in a country striving to improve the quality of life for all its residents.

The Gender Equality Law (2011), now in effect, has become the most significant piece of legislation Government has created in over 50 years to address gender equality issues in the Cayman Islands.

The law offers protection against gender discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status, and pregnancy. It covers issues such as protection from gender discrimination in employment, training and recruitment; equal pay for equal work; and protection from sexual harassment in the work place; and equal treatment related to the provision of goods, services and facilities.

With the passage of this legislation and the Gender Equality Tribunal in place, the right of women and girls, and men and boys to be treated equally in the Cayman Islands have been strengthened and legitimized. Knowing your rights under the Gender Equality Law will help protect you and your future, and we, as a society, will become better advocates for creating a society that fosters the spirit of equality and human rights for all. Visit www.genderequality.gov.ky to learn more.

The staff of the Family Resource Centre with support from the private sector have arranged exciting Honouring Women Month activities throughout March. I encourage you to get involved by participating in these events. For a schedule, contact the centre at 949-0006, or email [email protected].