Organisation Established under the Department of Gender Affairs

Establishment of Domestic Violence Foundation

The establishment of a Domestic Violence foundation, though inactive, the goal of this organization was primarily to establish a crises center for women thus providing a viable alternative to staying in an abuse relationship. The Foundation has already identified and secured a parcel of land in Providenciales for the construction of a Crisis Centre. The Foundation has a lease for a period of fifty (50) years from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).

Establishment of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Unit

In 2009 the Gender Affairs Unit was very instrumental in advocating for the establishment of a Sexual Offences Unit within Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. This Unit, although spearheaded by a female detective, yet the Police department plays the leading role in its day-to-day function. However, the Gender Affairs is responsible for public sensitisation and education advocating against domestic violence and abuse in any form or fashion. This partnership between the police and Gender Affairs Unit has proven to be successful.

November 25, 16 Days of Activism

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is an International Campaign originating from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute Workshop sponsored by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership established in 1991. The Days of Activism campaign is commemorated each year, from November 25th to December 10, across the world.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign provides an opportunity to bring awareness on gender based Violence (GBV). Therefore, as a Department, we are committed to championing the cause to eliminate all forms of violence against women

Programs with Department of Gender Affairs

Summer Camp for Boys

  • This Camp experience provides an opportunity for young men and boys to 'get their hands dirty' and enjoy a week of working within various trade fields. Work experience will include personal projects as well as supervised maintenance to various buildings and areas of need amongst our elderly citizens.
  • To create a foundation whereby, young men can engage in a structured growth experience designed to aid in the discovery and enhancement of their leadership.
  • A chance to work alongside trained professionals and very dedicated members of the various Construction companies, faith Base organizations and members of the Civil Service.
  • A chance for young boys to learn a skill in their area of interest Auto Mechanics, Maintenance, Carpentry, Electricity, Home Repairs, Painting, Music, Swimming Plumbing or Woodwork.

Flowers and Friends Programs

The Flowers and Friends Girls Program will be introduce in September 2016, under the theme Nourish, Flourish Blossom, the theme signifies the life of a flower and the different growth stages. the program is designed to empower young women and girls and Motivating them with self- confidence, teaching positive life-skills, from poise, posture, purpose and etiquette, manners, handling peer pressure, body image, setting goals, know your purpose, overcoming fears and nailing Job interviews homework and project assistance etc.

Build a Boss Boys Club – Changing Attitudes

This program is design to provide an opportunity for young men to 'get their hands dirty' and enjoy working within various trade fields. Young men gain basis experience which will include personal projects as well as supervised maintenance/painting to Plumbing, Auto Mechanics, Music, carpentry, boat building etc. there will be session on Increasing Self Awareness, Identifying and coping with feelings, learning technical/vocational skill of interest, Communication Skills, home work and assignment assistance.

Gender Affairs Radio Program - GenFO

This program focuses on various gender-related issues facing our country such as; domestic violence, stakeholder engagement, human rights issues, empowerment, reproductive health , family life, health living, teenage pregnancy. The program, is pre-recorded and will be aired on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 12:00pm.

Three International Treaties that Guides Gender Affairs Framework

Twelve Critical Areas of Concern In The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

  • The persistent and increasing burden of poverty on women;
  • Inequalities and inadequacies in and access to education and training;
  • Inequalities and inadequacies in and unequal access to health care and related services;
  • Violence against women;
  • The effects of armed or other kinds of conflict on women, including those living under foreign occupation;
  • Inequality in economic structures and policies, in all forms of productive activities and in access to resources;
  • Inequality between men and women in the sharing of power and decision-making at all levels;
  • Insufficient mechanisms at all levels to promote and decision-making at all levels;
  • Lack of respect for and inadequate promotion and protection of the human rights of women
  • Stereotyping of women and inequality in women’s access to and participation in all communication systems, especially in the media;
  • Gender inequalities in the management of natural resources and in the safeguarding of the environment;
  • Persistent discrimination against and violation of the rights of the girl-child.

The 8 Millennium Development Goal

  • Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
  • Achieve universal primary education
  • Promote gender equality and empower women
  • Reduce child mortality
  • Improve maternal health
  • Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
  • Ensure environmental sustainability
  • Develop a global partnership for development

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

Adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.

The Convention defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field."

By accepting the Convention, States commit themselves to undertake a series of measures to end discrimination against women in all forms, including:

  • to incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women;
  • to establish tribunals and other public institutions to ensure the effective protection of women against discrimination; and
  • to ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organizations or enterprises.