Welcome to the first in our series of bi-weekly columns under the title “The Gender Corner,” published in collaboration with The Anguillian newspaper. Through this publication we hope to provide thought-provoking and stimulating discussion on gender-related matters. This week we introduce the concept of Gender.
With the anticipated commissioning of the Gender Affairs Unit in the Ministry of Home Affairs later this year, I have personally received plenty of questions inquiring as to what “gender affairs” is all about. Two of the core questions are: 1) What is the meaning of the term Gender Affairs, and 2) Why do we need a Gender Affairs Unit in Anguilla? Gender Affairs encompasses a lot of ideas but, simply put, it is making sure that we have equal rights for the sexes and fair opportunity in social, economic and political life.
The start of the Gender Affairs Unit is not a new step for the island. Similar to most implemented initiatives, there is work that goes on behind the scenes before we have the manifestation of a promise. As many of you know, there have been countless individuals and organisations that have raised concerns over having a mechanism in place to ensure gender equity in our daily lives. Gender equity is working towards equal treatment and justice so that no one will be discriminated against based on gender.
Contrary to some beliefs, gender affairs is not “a woman’s issue,” per se, as the common perception may be. However, historically it is linked to the fight of women to achieve equal rights. In Saudi Arabia, the struggle continues for women as they are not allowed to drive, not allowed to vote, and they cannot run for political office. They have little or no say in the political process or even in how they live and operate in their day-to-day lives. In war torn nations with civil unrest, such as the Central African Republic, women and children are the most vulnerable as they face rape, forced migration and other forms of violence. In Europe, Asia and throughout the Americas, women are trafficked from one country to another and often forced (under false pretenses) to work in the sex industry – thereby degrading their morals, values and mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Both men and women are active in speaking out against these inequalities and are helping to achieve a state of human rights in practice.
Here in Anguilla, we have the privilege of experiencing some rights that many around the world are still fighting for, such as women being active in the political process and not having to face the brutal violence of a nation in a state of war. But our work is not done. We are informed and practicing the so called “basics” but now it is time for us to get our hands dirty and tackle the issues that make the difference between a strong nation and one that is just “getting by.” With all of these ideas in mind, the vision of the Gender Affairs Unit, when fully established, is to be actively committed to fostering equal and humane treatment in the daily lives of every man, woman, girl and boy – manifesting a united Anguilla.
We invite your feedback, and input, starting right now. Are you hosting an event or participating in one that you know is helping to improve the state of gender relations on the island? Is your organisation or church group empowering men and women to understand the positive and negative aspects of “so called” femininity and masculinity? Do your efforts embrace the positive aspects of tradition while fighting to overcome the prescribed notions of what is “a man’s and woman’s” place?
As we compile a National Gender Calendar and Database, we do not want your efforts to go unnoticed. We want to hear about each and every one of your activities and events. Even if you are not hosting an event at this time, we still want your group or organisation, be it community or church-based, to be registered with the Gender Affairs Unit. Please submit your organisation’s name and full details including its mission, vision and objectives in writing or by email to Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator, Ministry of Home Affairs, The Valley, or to Ronya.Foy-Connor@gov.ai. Please feel free to call us anytime at 497-2518.
