Gender Affairs

mission statement

The Department of Gender Affairs is committed to ensuring, that both males and females are equal partners in shaping the economic, educational, political, cultural and social development of the Federation.

overview of the department

The Department of Gender Affairs is a unit within the Ministry of Community Development, Gender Affairs & Social Services. It was first established in 1986, as ‘The Department of Women’s Affairs’ in the Ministry of Health and Women’s Affairs.

In 2000, the Department assumed its new name ‘Department of Gender Affairs’ in keeping with the state’s commitment to ensure that gender is mainstreamed in all of its policies and programmes, as well as to ensure specific impact on men and women.

The Department has major responsibilities for raising awareness; monitoring and improving the status of women and girls in the country through the implementation of a number of International Conventions and declarations; as well as the Constitution of Saint Christopher and Nevis which speaks to equality between men and women.

The Department’s priority areas include the formation of a National Gender Policy, the empowerment of women and girls, the reduction of all forms of gender based violence, poverty elimination, governance and democracy, and programmes for men and boys.

The Department of Gender Affairs seeks to serve vulnerable populations through advocacy, education, empowerment and enhancement of individuals by utilising programmes that promote equality, growth and development.

Accordingly, the Department operates on two platforms; a platform for the empowerment of men and boys; and a platform for the empowerment of women and girls. Focus is given to vulnerable groups such as boys at risk, teen mothers, low income women, women in prison; and complainants of gender-based violence.

LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK UNDER WHICH THE DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS

The Department functions under a Policy Framework, which is guided by International and Regional commitments including the Sustainable Development Goals, Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Gender Equality Observatory,(CSW) Commission on the Status of Women in St. Kitts & Nevis and the Belém do Pará Convention. It has responsibility to fulfil periodic international, regional and national reporting obligations.

Nationally, the protection of complainants has been strengthened by the Domestic Violence Act, 2014, which provides the various forms of Domestic Violence. The Act, also provides greater protection for Victims of Domestic Violence including, provision for the granting of Protection Orders.

Additionally, there is the Domestic and Sexual Violence Complaints and Response Protocol, which was developed in consultation with stakeholders from the private and public sectors; and civil society. The protocol which was launched in 2018,sets out the roles and responsibilities of the key agencies involved in Domestic Violence matters.

TYPES OF CASES BEING HANDLED

Domestic Violence is categorized as physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, however, most of the reported cases,are physical and verbal abuse. The groups affected by Domestic Violence include males, females and children. Most cases of Domestic Violence are referred to the Special Victims Unit (SVU), however, the data collected, points to women as the predominant group, which is mostly affected by Domestic Violence, while men represents a very small percentage. Accordingly, the Department continues to partner with the SVU to conduct outreach, support and legal advocacy to victims of Domestic Violence.

LIST OF SERVICES

As a referral, advocacy and awareness raising department, the services offered include but are not limited to:

• Mediation
• Counselling
• Social assistance
• Legal aid

Programmes and Objectives

The Department of Gender Affairs adopts a multi-agency and holistic approach, forming strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors; and civil society. Our partners include the Special Victims Unit, Counselling Unit, faith-based and NGOs that provide shelter for victims of Domestic Violence. Support is also provided from some of our key international partners including UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA and PAHO, that assists us in achieving our programme objectives. Below is a list of the current (2020) programmes and objectives.