The Saint Kitts and Nevis Gender Equality Policy and accompanying Action Plan is the Government’s commitment to mainstream gender. The Policy provides a platform for gender equality in all sectors and areas of social, economic, political, and environmental development, so that all citizens and residents can reap the benefits of inclusive, sustainable development.
The GEPAP was finalized in December 2021 and approved by the Federal Cabinet in the first quarter of 2022.
Objective
To actively engage men and boys in the Mentorship Programme from two additional schools.
Programme Description
The Boys’ Mentorship Programme, launched as a pilot at the Charles E. Mills Secondary School in July 2016 provides high risk adolescent males with viable alternatives to a life of anti-social behavior that could easily and quickly deteriorate into a life of criminality. The programme provides opportunities for the holistic development of adolescent males. Training is offered in life, social and technical skills. Utilising a collaborative approach, parents, school principals and school guidance counsellors are involved in monitoring progress of the participants. It is intended to expand to progamme to all public high schools in St. Kitts.
Mentor ApplicationGirls Mentorship Application Forms
The GEPAP was finalized in December 2021 and approved by the Federal Cabinet in the first quarter of 2022.
Objectives
- To provide an enabling environment in which teenage mothers can complete their secondary education
- To increase the participation of women and girls in decision- making at all level of development in public and private sectors
Programme Description
- The programme gives teen mothers the opportunity to complete their secondary education after the disruption in their studies due to an unplanned pregnancy. It equips them with the necessary skills including personal and career development skills, job attachment, skills training, and a scholarshipprogramne. Project Viola is recognised by UNICEF as a best practice model in the Caribbean region.
- Training of women and girls in leadership, governance and democracy.
Objectives
- To mainstream gender in all programmes and legislation
- Reduction of all formsof Gender Based Violence (GBV)
Programme Description
- To facilitate gender awareness training in order to reduce discrimination and inequality that create barriers to personal and economic development. It is intended to expand to all government ministries.
- The development of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Complaints and Response Protocol has been a significant achievement. The Department of Gender Affairs has responsibility for the protocol, which formally sets out the roles and responsibilities of the key agencies involved in service provision. In accordance with the protocol, the Department of Gender Affairs refers complainants to the relevant agencies. The protocol will continue to be implemented. Domestic violence workshops are conducted as part of this platform.
The programme is part of the women’s empowerment platform and delivers short term skills training for female inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison. The weekly training sessions aim to improve personal and career development, and focuses leadership, life and technical skills to empower women to enable them to participate fully in the economic activities of the country that will assist in alleviating the feminization of poverty. Where appropriate, the Department of Gender Affairs also provides advocacy services on behalf of inmates.
Annual Observances
International Women’s Day (8 March)
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th and is an occasion where women from all backgrounds are recognized for their achievements. The Department of Gender Affairs commemorates International Women’s Day through the coordination of various activities during the month of March that include raising awareness of the contribution of local women.
International Men’s Day (19 November)
International Men’s Day is celebrated annually on 19 November and is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions. The Department of Gender Affairs hosts a series of activities to celebrate the contribution of men in their workplaces, families and communities.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November to 10 December)
The 16 Day Campaign against Gender-based Violence
The Department of Gender Affairs joins similar institutions worldwide in activism designed to end violence against women, men and children. The Sixteen Day Campaign begins on November 25th, and ends with International Human Rights Day on December 10th. The campaign calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women, men and children. Activities to sensitize the general public are conducted to raise awareness of gender-based violence as a human rights issue. The Department works towards promoting innovation and strategic awareness to reduce crime, in addition to advocating on behalf of victims of gender-based violence.
Contact Listing
Telephone: 765-5492
Name: Ms. Vanessa Archibald
Designation: Receptionist
Email: vanessa.archibald@gov.kn
Telephone: (869) 467-1223
Name: Mr. Virgil Jeffers
Designation: Director of Gender Affairs
Name: Mrs. Sharon Warner
Designation: Executive Officer
Assignment: Performs administrative and reporting functions
Email: sharon.warner@gov.kn
Telephone: 467 1223
Name: Mrs. Shinnel Charles
Designation: Senior Gender Officer
Assignment: Women and Girls Platform
Email: shinnel.charles@gov.kn
Telephone: 467 1397
Name: Ms. Kasandra Bedford
Designation: Gender Officer
Assignment: Women and Girls Platform
Email: kasandra.bedford@gov.kn
Telephone: 467 1397
Name: Mr. Dion Browne
Designation: Gender Officer
Assignment: Men and Boys Platform
Email: dion.browne@gov.kn
Telephone: 467 1397