According to the regional organization’s website, leaders are considering the initiative, which aims to comprehensively address the problem, at the 46th session of the Council for Human and Social Development (Cohsod)-Gender, which began the previous day and will end this Tuesday in Barbados.
Caricom Secretariat Under-Secretary-General for Human and Social Development Alison Drayton explained that the appointment was based on the decisions of a meeting in June 2021 at which Member States agreed to support national consultations on the document.
After extensive meetings, consultations and validations, both virtual and in person, over 17 months, including a two-week extension, this Cohsod will seek approval of the initiative, the board explained, cataloging it as a roadmap on the issue.
According to her, it offers a coordinated regional approach to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, which is consistent with one of the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will be an excellent coordination and implementation tool.
The Under-Secretary-General considered that the participation of Ministers in the two-day event is an indicator of the strong commitment of Member States in this area and their partnership in promoting the aspirations of a resilient and prosperous community.
According to him, the theme of the meeting is “Inclusive and equitable future: a post-Covid approach with a gender perspective,” which, according to him, could not be more timely given the unique challenges and opportunities facing the region due to the pandemic.
He said this was a crucial opportunity to take stock of the region’s progress in meeting regional and international commitments and the SDGs.
“It underscores our region’s commitment to gender equality, recovery and resilience, while promoting the health and well-being of our citizens, particularly women and marginalized populations,” she said.
Caricom’s portfolio includes Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands are Associate Members.
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