A training workshop to advance gender awareness in the workplace was hosted for several gender focal points from within Government organisations and statutory bodies on April 24, 2024. Photo: GIS

Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mrs Sheniah Armstrong Jones noted that the workshop is in keeping with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Sustainable Development Goals 2015- 2030 and Vision 2036: Building a Sustainable Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS

The main objectives of the workshop were to introduce participants to basic concepts in gender and gender-related terms, increase knowledge and understanding on gender awareness and sensitivity while also identifying gender issues in media, music and advertisement, and how these help to shape societal culture and perspective. Photo: GIS

Participants of the training workshop to advance gender awareness in the workplace on April 24, 2024. Photo: GIS

The training, titled ‘Building Gender Awareness in the Workplace: A Participatory Workshop’ was facilitated by Gender Affairs Coordinator, Miss Patricia Hackett of the Office of Gender Affairs. Photo: GIS

The training, titled ‘Building Gender Awareness in the Workplace: A Participatory Workshop’ was facilitated by Gender Affairs Coordinator, Miss Patricia Hackett of the Office of Gender Affairs and forms part of the mandate to eliminate all forms of gender-based discrimination.

According to Government Information Service (GIS) in a press release on April 30, 2024, the main objectives of the workshop were to introduce participants to basic concepts in gender and gender-related terms, increase knowledge and understanding on gender awareness and sensitivity while also identifying gender issues in media, music and advertisement, and how these help to shape societal culture and perspective.

Sexual harassment awareness

Miss Hackett also highlighted that building gender awareness in the workplace is crucial for fostering a culture of equality, respect, and inclusivity. She noted that raising awareness about gender-related issues such as sexual harassment and by highlighting some of the challenges and barriers faced by some employees can create a more supportive and equitable working environment.

The Gender Affairs Coordinator posited, “Promoting gender awareness helps to combat stereotypes, biases, and discrimination, leading to fairer hiring practices, equal opportunities for advancement, and ultimately, greater employee satisfaction and retention. Moreover, organisations that prioritise gender awareness demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and contribute to broader efforts which can create a more just and equitable society.”

Top priority

Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mrs Sheniah Armstrong Jones in her opening and welcome remarks, noted that the workshop is in keeping with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Sustainable Development Goals 2015- 2030 and Vision 2036: Building a Sustainable Virgin Islands.

Mrs Armstrong Jones underscored that, “It is one of our Government’s top priorities to eliminate gender inequalities, inequities, and discrimination against women, men and children in the Virgin Islands.”

The Acting Deputy Secretary stated that the participants would have a deeper understanding of gender, enhanced knowledge, sharpened skills for gender awareness, and sensitivity to gender mainstreaming by the end of the training session. This would in turn help them to apply a gender perspective into every area of their work.