With the establishment of Cayman’s first Gender Equality Tribunal (GET) that hears and determines discrimination complaints under the Gender Equality Law (2011), the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing confirms the appointment of Ms Aubrey Bodden in the dual role of Policy Officer for Gender Affairs and Tribunal Secretary.

Having worked in the Cabinet Office for almost four years, first as a Research Officer and then as Freedom of Information Policy Analyst, which included serving as secretary to the Data Protection Working Group, Ms Bodden is well equipped to fulfil her new role. She started work on Monday, 28 May, and is excited to meet another public sector challenge.

Ms Bodden will conduct policy research and analysis, which will assist in providing gender-sensitive policy advice to the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing and its entities and wider government as necessary. Working along with the Ministry’s Senior Policy Advisor for Gender Affairs Tammy Ebanks, this will mark the first time that two officers will be working in the area of gender affairs at the Ministry level since the subject area of women’s affairs was introduced as a government responsibility 17 years ago.

Ms Bodden’s other major duties include educating the public on the Gender Equality Law; providing administrative support to the GET; enhancing public awareness on gender issues; and mainstreaming a gender perspective within government.

The Minister responsible for gender affairs, the Hon. Mike Adam, MBE, JP said, “Government is still working towards having the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination extended to the Cayman Islands. The additional human resources dedicated to this area will assist the Ministry in improving our monitoring and evaluating practices, as well as in developing a more formal entity such as an Office of Gender Affairs.”

Described as a passionate, organised and dedicated person, the Cornell University graduate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and History with minors in International Relations and Law & Society. Although she brings relevant knowledge, experience and qualifications to the table, she is also currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management with the University of London. “I am very excited to contribute to the work of the Ministry and the Tribunal,” Ms Bodden said. “My first weeks have already provided valuable insight into one of the social development issues our country faces.”

Ministry Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker said, “I am confident that Ms Bodden’s experience in research and policy analysis will be an asset to the Ministry.”  She added, “Aubrey’s past experience in providing administrative support will also assist the Gender Equality Tribunal function efficiently in its role to help ensure the enjoyment of equal treatment and opportunities for men and women in our society.”

On behalf of the GET, Chairperson Sheridan Brooks stated, “The Tribunal is very pleased to welcome Ms Bodden as the Gender Equality Tribunal Secretary, and we look forward to working closely with her to achieve our objectives.”

If you (or someone you know) have reasonable grounds to show that you have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, marital status, pregnancy or gender in relation to employment matters, sexual harassment in the workplace, or in the provision of goods, services and facilities, a complaint can be made to the tribunal within six months from the date of the incident. To download a complaint form and to learn more about the Gender Equality Law, please visit www.genderequality.gov.ky

If there are any questions about filing a complaint with the Tribunal or requests for presentations on the Gender Equality Law, the public is encouraged to contact Ms Bodden at 244-3226 or by e-mail at [email protected].