Researcher to assist in development of gender policy

(CNS): Following the passage of the legislation and the creation of Cayman’s first Gender Equality Tribunal (GET) that will hear and determine discrimination complaints under the Gender Equality Law (2011), the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing has Aubrey Bodden in the dual role of Policy Officer and Tribunal Secretary. Working with the senior policy advisor, Tammy Ebanks the two officers will be working together on research and analysis, develop policy and offer advice to the community affairs ministry and wider government on gender issues.

The Minister responsible for gender affairs, Mike Adam, pointed to the on-going work of this policy area and in particular the goal to have international gender policy apply to Cayman.

“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.”  

Bodden worked in the Cabinet Office for almost four years, first as a Research Officer and then as Freedom of Information Policy Analyst, and started in her new gender affairs job last month.
Among Bodden’s duties will be the public educating campaign on the Gender Equality Law as well as providing administrative support to the GET.

A Cornell University graduate of government and history she is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management at the University of London. “I am very excited to contribute to the work of the Ministry and the Tribunal,” Bodden said. “My first weeks have already provided valuable insight into one of the social development issues our country faces.”

Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker said she was confident that Bodden’s experience in research and policy analysis would be an asset. “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.”

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 Bodden at 244-3226 or by e-mail at get@gov.ky.