No dates on gender legislation

(CNS): Speaking at the celebration for International Women’s Day on Monday of this week, the Minster for Health and Human Services Anthony Eden said again that his ministry was working on the issue of gender violence in the Cayman Islands to strengthen the Domestic Violence Law; and bring forward new anti-discrimination legislation. However, the minister did not offer any timelines or whether he was intending to push through any legislation before dissolution of parliament on 24 March.

He also said he was seeking to re-establish a national committee that would address gender violence and other inter-linked issues, such as family violence, sexual violence and child abuse.

The minister also noted that while institutional mechanisms and strong legislation are essential individuals must play their part. “Each of us must refuse to turn a blind eye so that acts of violence against women and girls are ended in our families, workplaces and communities. It is the least we can do to ensure a brighter, safer future for girls and women,” he said.

He said that this year’s theme for Honouring Women Month 2009 was “Heroes Among Us".  “We know from our recent National Heroes Day celebrations that in our Islands we do not have to look far to find female heroes and role models.  There are female heroes among us that may not necessarily be in the public spotlight, but still significantly contribute to our growth and development, at an individual and national level,” he added.

Eden said that far too often, the community does not recognise how the actions of women have enhanced the lives of everyone and they deserved the honour that the commemorative month officially bestows upon them.