Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697795989968.pdf (Dominica)
,- " CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR MESSAGE BY ROSIE BROWNE.

DIRECTOR WOMEN'S BUREAU in is of and I bring you greetings from the Women's Bureau on this joyful season of good cheer.

the time when even A filled with atmosphere, happiness feelings goodwill great expectation.
It is also a time for giving and receiving, an aged that comes ' with season which for Christians is a celebration first of coming of Jesus Christ, The One who came to "bring good news to the poor, mend the broken hearted and set the captives free".
tradition the the old As we reflect on the reason for the season, and engage in the sharing of gifts and good tidings of Christmas, it may be a good time to reflect on our dealings with those who may be still in captive, broken hearted in Is there a way of prison.

bringing good cheer to those in need?

and this some Perhaps hard economic times many may find that it is very difficult to give material or cash, but your giving need not only be restricted goods.
A to listening ear, a moment of your time, a visit, a hot meal, comforting words may just be what someone is dying to receive.

Even as a nation we realize that the year 2004 was particularly difficult because of our economic situation.

Recovery Economic Programme, Globalisation, Trade Liberalisation and other global phenomenon impacted negatively on us as a country.
But even in the midst of all of this we need to look beyond our economic woes and appreciate the fact that we have survived thus to assistance far; friendly received donor governments, families agencies, most abroad importantly by the many sacrifices we made in giving part of our much needed salaries to stabilize our our and thanks from country's economy.
Despite everything else, one very important thing we must not forget is to give praise and thanks to God for sparing us from the worst in the face of serious disaster through the 2004 hurricane season and The season earthquake.

ended with no major hurricane, loss of lives or injury and for this we ought to be grateful to God.

Finally as this year comes to a close and we prepare for remind 2005, that we are a ourselves Indeed a resilient people.

country, under God, a the blessed people Almighty.


let us by of through It is in this spirit that we to each must reach out this great other season Christmas especially those in greater need than us and pray that the New Year brings success for and improved economy.

productive a Have a blessed season and a fruitful New Year.
Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 2 ·- lETS TAlK ABOUT BUilDING AN AWARENESS OF SO GENDER AND GENDER SOCIAliZADON BY ANGEliCA PIERRE-lOUIS, liFE SKillS PROJECT COORDINATOR In recent times there has been much talk of Gender Mainstreaming, establishment of a Gender Bureau instead of Women's Bureau a need to focus on issues affectihg men.
On the hand other research indicates that women are victims of many situations their impedes on which to contribute more ability effectively the to development of the country.

It becomes very important to to stop now for a while distinguish the words 'sex' and 'gender' in an clarify misconceptions.

between effort to is biological a 'SEX' characteristic determined at conception and flxed to a persons' lifetime being male or female.
It is of the same biological difference between men or women in any part of irrespective of the world colour, race or creed.

It refers biological to determined differences, such as the reproductive organs and the ability of women to give birth.

There are also some differences between men and women biologically which example determined strength.

These physical differences are relatively small.


however other is 'GENDER SOCIALISATION' can be stated as the means by which males are taught to be boys j men and females their to be girlsjwomen - and roles the identity, are they responsibilities expected the in family, school and society.

to play to cultural countries 'GENDER' refers learnt social and power relation values; and differences between men and women which vary and across These regions.
be characteristics can and changed by norms the behaviours such as process socialisation education, Govemment policies, the media etc.
Gender stereotyping place when for example: takes ~ Colour chosen for babies if it's a boy blue, if it's a girl pink + The choice of subjects at school is a major factor female students to are encouraged Home study while Management male students Agriculture, related Construction college subjects at female again level students Secretarial, male students Mechanic Men holds property in his name, women expected to endorse + Higher percentages of men as top Managers the or holders of highest paying jobs, more as Secretary or positions receive they where less salary /wage women • Girls play with dolls, boys play with truck or gun Posture and sitting habits; girls taught to seat with legs crossed boys legs wide open Girls do as mum do, stay home cook and wash boys as dad do at home or in the community hang out with friends and come home expecting meals already prepared + Women as domestic workers, secretaries, nurses and men in construction.
Women expected to attend the P.T.A while few men do.

Men as accepted having several sexual partners while women are looked down upon if they do.

Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 3 A number of workshops with students and teachers of Secondary & Junior Secondary Schools.
THIS IS A SPECIAL ISSUE OF THE LET'S TALK NEWSLETTER FOCUSING ON PRo.JECT ENTITLED "INTEGRATION OF LIFE SKILLS WITHIN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM: A VEHICLE IN THE MITIGATION OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE" Ms. Mvrtle Prevost- HFLE Coordinator Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 4 lETS TAll ABOUT PROJECT ENDRED "INTEGRA DON OF liFE SKillS WITHIN THE SCHOOl CURRICUlUM: A VEHIClE IN THE MITIGATION OF GENDER BASED VIOlENCE" BY ANGEliCA PIERRE-lOUIS, PROJECT COORDINATOR and third targeting A program of the Women's first, Bureau form second students of the secondary schools Junior and secondary Programme with the support of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs.
WHY THIS PROGRAM 2001, In the Women's Bureau conducted a study that indicated which domestic violence continues to be a major problem affecting all strata of our The Dominican indicated greater research in incidents abuse relationship within the youthful population (35%).

society.

of to target This along with records of reported cases confirmed the need young to help curb the persons problem domestic of violence, other family related issues and the prevalent anti social behaviour among youths.
schools In an effort to address the the Women's situation Bureau sought to focus on secondary and junior secondary programme through the implementation of sensitization program.

This programme received the approval of the Ministry of Education, and Youth Affairs with funding two-year Sports sensitization from the Canada Caribbean Gender Equity Fund.
It is hoped that through the teaching of life skills and gender the programme can positively attitudes, the influence social behaviour and self esteem of school age youths, thus encouraging them to be the forefront at struggle and breaking down of the domestic and harmonious promoting relations between the sexes, family and community.
repeated violence cycle the in WHAT HAS BEEN DONE Teachers Workshop two-fold A awareness workshop was successfully conducted by the Bureau for Social Studies and Health and Family Life Teachers of the Secondary and Junior Secondary Schools on the island.

The purpose of this workshop was to sensitize teachers on gender issues and to introduce a Manual prepared by the Women's Bureau "Issues entitled Surrounding Domestic Violence" accompanied by a video tape on the drama serial "Wake Up Call".
The training and instructional materials provided teachers with practical skills to better to equip the integrate the manual and them on ways the use of instruct students on gender based violence and other related issues and problems.

(22) fourteen and teachers Twenty-two (14) representing Junior Secondary Secondary Programme and two (2) adolescent Centres attended.
Workshops which has been informed by a value and test administered attitude has been conducted at the following schools: Castle Bruce Secondary School Goodwill Secondary School Roseau, Salybia and Castle Bruce Junior Secondary Programme reaching more than 800 first form students.
Concern and Comments from Teachers and students in response to workshops • All schools should be equipped with a free service counseling room students for and their families and seeking individuals support • Establish social groups at school to adult include guidance assist students in promoting positive values to Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 5 • Health and Family Life programme needs to be upgraded to encompass issues surrounding domestic violence • School assist to in conflict students resolution, address the situation of school drop out and teenage pregnancy • School to make more available reading material on issues of gender and gender based violence • School and PTA to reach out to families those especially from suffering difficult situations at home • Additional training to be made available to assist all teachers in identifying students who may be suffering domestic from violence are unable to deal with their situation but training for • Special peer effective service counseling should be conducted in all schools • Gained related clearer of understanding issues to domestic violence and (some were gender being made aware of terms first time the for • Workshops should be continued the schools at least once per term or school year at Joint Competition Summer Camp In an effort to reach out to students during the summer holidays through the project "Integration of Life Skills Within School the Curriculum: A Vehicle in the Mitigation of Gender Based the Women's Violence", Bureau felt it necessary to collaborate with the Youth Development Division Summer Volunteerism Program which engages high school in service community project I programs.
students Summer Camp programme aimed at reducing the rate of HIV I AIDS infection as well as understanding the effects that and stigma discrimination have on those the who are affected by illness.

The Bureau and the Youth Development Division agreed to have participants use their creativity to highlight issue of gender and the HIV I AIDS Joint through District Competitions.
"Stigma and discrimination: youth can make a change" was the theme for the two week program which ran from August 9 to 13, 2004. objectives The competition were: of the the skills Provide the necessary life thereby equipping participants counteract ills such as, violent behaviour within the home, and community school social to the take a Collectively critical look at gender related issues to dynamics involved, perception, impact and how it related to anti social behaviour of youth Help break trend of and stigmatization faced discrimination by living persons with HIV I AIDS Use of the Art form to the increase of awareness HIV I AIDS its implications and Provide a non-formal young forum for persons to use their creativity in assisting them the to make right choices The winners of the joint competition came together at a Grand Finale where Thibaud first, followed by Boetica and Coulibistrie.
Prizes the to finalist were awarded by emerged Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 6 the award was Hotel, Indies Ltd., Orange West the to while from facilitator Other Garraway Jays Ltd, sponsor were AT&T wireless, Josephine Company, Gabriel United Distributors Ltd, Rubens, Country Style and Purity Bakeries.

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To r I I (t~c.hon lo.ck J c.o~c...h~"' \~~1"\ pl"(.c~fti•'\Cj I Violence in our society affects everyone and is everybody's business.

Let's all try to eradicate this social ill.

Tips to Parents • Encourage shared responsibilities at home .

• Many of our children are hurting listen to them.

• Create a violent free family and society for our children.

WB thanks all its partners in Dominica and abroad who continue to support its work.
Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 7 lETS TAlK ABOUT RESEARCH UD DATA AT THE BUREAU BY ROSElYN PAUL COORDINATOR FOR RESEARCH UD PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT Three (3) major areas of data collection included; I Values and Attitude test on Domestic Violence (part of project reaching out to schools) administered to first to third formers of 8 secondary schools which indicated a number of areas for concem: • A adequate lack of understanding of the concept of Domestic Violence and related issues.
• A high level of acceptance of abusive behaviour with high a percentage of the students of each form who were of the opinion that it sometimes is excusable or 'looked for' by the victim.

This cultural acceptance of abuse by both male and female seems students to related deep- student's seated beliefs j ideologies about, relations, gender identity, gender roles and responsibilities.
For example there is a misconception of head of household; a belief/ perception that: i) The man as boss/head and should be the in position of power and control and that he that should control when he things thinks aren't going his way.
exert that ii) That domestic roles and responsibilities is mainly the domain of female partner the and therefore many boys and girls see failure to uphold this at as deserving punishment; many also to failed appreciate housework as work times all A man's iii) entitlement to entertainment j leisure important is more than that of a woman; While students saw little difficulty with a man enjoying a game of in dominoes, discussion with them large majority the the that suggested wife is wrong to watch television drama serial if her husband meal was unprepared, despite high burden of housework iv) These continued and convictions the is likely prevailing attitudes among our youth to reinforce the situation of the overburden of work by women in the home, resulting conflicts, power play in social relations of gender and possible abuse in relationships.
to an v) The large number almost half of the students who felt that there was no reason abusive for seek husband counselling suggest that they do not really see too much wrong with the beating of a wife, or it the excusable when wife does not play her role, such as cooking.

thought of students vi) The high number of a number of the schools who their indicated willingness to be part of a gang, even when they perceived gang as something negative.
vii) high The percentage both male and female students who the supported perpetrator over the victim.

However positive students there was feedback some from Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 8 o Recognition in that is a family violence their problem community and in Dominica as a whole impact on its and children o Some of the students the boys especially who felt that a man should never hit his lady but should talk few her; to suggested the man should help.
a acceptance in gender unequal power relations .

The and social cultural of domestic violence by these young persons indicate that if they are not sufficiently order sensitised to in intemalise negativism associated with violence, positive affect and change, in their lives then the domestic violence and violence in the wider community will surely continue.
trend of to o The importance better to attached communication o The value placed on family well being or safety and education over material possession like a car o The large majority who were unwilling to be part of a gang since they perceived gang violent as oriented and brought negative influence o A of high level of appreciation by many the students negative impact of domestic violence on the of upbringing children o Many who non-violent solutions factions selected Based on students' response it can be concluded that there are deep-seated beliefs about gender relations and what is considered to be the norm, which will allow for of the continued trend 2 ..
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Ms. Augustus at Community Consultation CEDA W A number of consultations to inform a CEDAW Report which is being compiled with the assistance of attorney at Law MS. Gloria Augustus The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women is described as an Intemational Bill for Human for Women Rights and entails thirty articles but to countries are expected report on sixteen.
The report seeks to find out how well Dominica is complying with the various articles all of which seek for equality and for women.

Do equity policies and practices comply?

Are there legislation be balance stressed procedures and customs, rights?

impede which According to Ms .

Augustus it must that Seeking for the advancement of women does not mean marginalization of men but creating by addressing gender gaps.
information gathered The has indicated a high level of by Dominica compliance of especially terms the policies/legislation on books.

However traditions customs and practices and a lack of legislation continue to result in gender inequalities in our society.

enforcement areas of of in forms Based on data there is an apparent need to investigate the of different discrimination that exist, information which will back up the basis for action.
Now one might ask which discrimination, do we have discrimination in Dominica?

that with Augustus defines in the Ms. discrimination accordance Convention as: Any distinction, exclusion or restriction affects women's political, economic , social, cultural, civil or any other rights, irrespective of marital status , on an equal basis with men.

Based on the definition there are laws and practices which are discriminatory many of to our which are traditions and culture.
For example gender stereotyping allows for practices which hinder or impedes upon the basic human of women.
linked rights Let' s Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 9 3 and Men A Situation Analysis of in Women Dominica in four thematic areas: Education, Tourism, Politics, and Finance with by support UNELLAC/UNIFEM For this purpose secondary data was sourced from the relevant records of institutions gender analysis was applied with local the consultant Carla Harris - Pascal.
assistance and of •!• Some issues highlighted include: Male academic underachievement at all levels of the education system reflected in poor performance and lower participation at the secondary and tertiary level and adult literacy programmes •!• High drop out rates of males and discontinued education of teen mothers •!• Sexual bias in subject choices and courses which show continuance of traditional and cultural practices and has implications for the future in terms of gender differentials in type of jobs obtained, level of participation in the labor market as well as in level of income; gender inequality; it questions the ability of women and men to equally avail themselves of available opportunities; these also have implications: gender socialization, gender stereotyping, poverty, antisocial behaviour •!• Increase in trend in the participation of women in local governance with government ensuring that females are appointed where lacking as elected members; however overall there continue to exist lower participation of women in politics and the decision making process at all levels •!• Despite the increased academic successes of women, questions raised as to the level of job positions and opportunities to serve in areas to better influence decisions that affect their lives •:• Sex bias in loans for educational and productive purposes •!• Women's under representation in the lending sector, that is women do less productive lending; for example women lend less for agriculture and very little for assets such as land and vehicle purchase; data showed a high level of sex bias in productive lending; women more involved in distributive trade, men do greater investments (it was pointed out that there is need for further research in this area) •!• In addition records of the financial institutions studied show Agriculture to be an under funded sector, although agriculture is so relevant to rural development and contribution to the market economy •!• Increased access by women at NDFD where a gender perspective has been integrated •!• Continued traditional sexual divide in tourism related activities although there is a gradual change in trend, Major investment such as vehicle purchase to provide tour services, mainly by men •!• The Tourism Industry affords employment for women and men.
However, there are limitations as regards what women especially (and their employers) consider as available opportunities.
•!• Further research may be needed in this important area which is viewed as a major Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women's Bureau Special Issue December 2004 10 area for economic growth and employment; to better understand how ell men and women avail themselves of available opportunities •!• In terms of poverty young males and teen mothers are identified indigent or vulnerable groups and need specific targeting; as well as the Carib Territory which form 70% of he poor •!• Trickle down effects of PA programmes.
Major part of poverty alleviation programmes are related to capital - intensive construction or road building, women are not skilled in these areas to take up available opportunities for ready cash income.
Another is access to credit, poor women and men often do not have the necessary requirements, such as collateral; and the Carib people disadvantaged in this regard Lets Talk about OTHER MAJOR HAPPENINGS AT THE BUREAU 2004 Sklllt Tr•l•llll A Skills Training Project in which a number of rural and women suburban participated by UNESCO has just come to a than one close.

Funded More hundred women around the island were trained in: information on what these women can do.
•!• Small Appliance Repairs for women of the South •!• Plum bing for Women on the South East •!• Tile Laying by women ofDublanc •!• Local Craft & Creative Arts Women of Paix Bouche/Dos D'ane and Trafalgar/Wotten Waven •!• Wines, Liquor and Preservation, of North/ Food Women North East •!• Personal Development Basic and Entrepreneurial Skills (All groups) if need some and they are Some of these women are already earning income from this training.
Women who are trained in areas such as laying, and plumbing tile - have proven themselves to be very capable.

However added they public assistance support to develop more fully so that they can support themselves and their and fully contribute more to development.

Dominica's Remember with the high percentage of single women headed households when we empower women we are helping the children in our families.

families one ............ ........ Day .

.

rcll a• was to remember.


A day when Dominican women of all walks of life assembled in solidarity with the cause of women and celebrating the of women achievements "An theme under empowered woman makes a difference" the in for The day started with a church service officiated by women, followed by a march to the Riverside where a number of women received their awards various achievements fields and contribution to Dominica's development.
Our own esteemed women stars Mickel Henderson, Deva Nayoka and Lady Bacco added the spice of the to entertainment programme.

Ministers Matthew Walter, Charles Saverin and the mayor of Roseau were among those who the addressed gathering.

Produce chemist Mrs. Claudia Bellot delivered address.

the Women's, Bureau, DNCW, CAFRA and other interest groups the activity jointly.

undertook keynote A brochure will be published more with shortly ........... Polley .

.
.

ken Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women' s Bureau Special issue December Z004 11 The Women's Bureau has been participating in a Regional programme entitled 'Gender and Govemance' being implemented by UN ECLAC.

Activities being undertaken by Dominica under this programme included the dissemination of information and dialogue with key stakeholders including policy makers, which would inform the development of a Gender Policy, a second major activity to be undertaken as part of this programme.
Within this framework the Women's Bureau organized two one day meeting the first with policy makers and senior administrators in the public service (Members of Permanent Cabinet Secretaries) focusing on the theme "Advocacy for policy action towards gender equity in Dominica" and with the following objectives in mind: and to action take Administrators necessary to address identified issues in the reports second meeting The for discussion sought input from other and stakeholders.
sectoral Both meetings were successful and elicited a number of recommendations, which will be reflected in a gender policy.

The high turn out of Cabinet great members is participation indicative of Government support and concern for women issues.

and gender its Cabinet expressed commitment the cause and is expected to take a decision shortly as regards a number of recommendations made.
and to on on present ~ To two information namely: reports Convention the Elimination of All Forms Discrimination of Women Against and (CEDAW) Situational Analysis of Women and Men in Dominica in four areas: Tourism, Finance, Politics and Education Day to Reject Violence sensitize Policy ~ To existing Makers on gaps/barriers to attaining gender equity in Dominica solicit the ~ To commitment of Policy and Makers against Women Women The Women's Bureau and Dominica National Council of (DNCW) in a 16-day collaborated activism against HIV f AIDS and Violence against women and girls, which was indeed In consonance successful.
with the intemational theme " For the Health of Women, For the Health of the world, no more violence" a local theme was selected as "Save our Dominica Protect and Women from girls Violence and HIV /AIDS".

Activities included All Men's fAll Women panels on radio and television, and other media programmes focusing on the theme ; a joint district rally encompassing mini- from communities Portsmouth the Carib to Territory held at Marigot; and culminated with an ecumenical service.
Support was also given to activities in observance of World AIDS Day and a cash collection from the ecumenical service has since been donated to the AIDS Coordinating Unit towards the just established AIDS Food Bank.

Counselling Services The Women's Bureau continue to assist women, by men in providing counselling referral services.'
families, "walk and and LETS UPCOMING EVENTS TALK ABOUT •:• Development of a and a of to men's to all the in development Gender Policy number consultations include an all consultation integrate perspectives policy process •:• Continued work in reaching out to youth through schools at creative workshops, Let's Talk: A Quarterly Publication of Women ' s Bureau Special Issue December 2004 12 arts, debates calypso f drama competitions •!• lntemational Women's activities Day and •!• Continued sensitisation through our radio programmes, community and meetings, sectoral newsletters and mini library Delices Ladies at affordable lETS TALK UOUT HAPPENINGS ON THE FIELD BY MYLD RIVIERE-PlENDERlEITH, FIELD OFFICER prices.
·:· Dialogue on Conventjon on elimination of forms Discrimination Against Women.

the the all of sale for you and the visitor at affordable prices.

EAST NORTHERN East Congratulations to: are not The Riviere Cyrique Women did plumbing and personal development skills with the women's Bureau, now a high percentage are employed, some directly involved with the None Traditional Skills.
But, due to the fact that we also did personal developmental skills, they are employed and continue to use their non-traditional skill in their homes, and communities.

These women did not stop where the Bureau's training were They ended.

enthusiastic and started to do a catering class with Adult Education and now bakes cakes and muffins weekly, the for community.
sale in five modules, the completion of the At training programme skills done the Women's by Bureau in the north east inclusive of Concord to Calibishie on the graduation of these participants decided to stay together and continue to make things happen, and it is from this decision that the North Eastem Women's Organization (N.E.W.O.)

emerged.

This group of women has held training for them other women in the area of basic computer skills and .,.

flower arrangement.
flower arrangement.

They have also Coconut organized a Museum and are the production of some Coconut Products.

selves and in Dominica Association of Disabled people on their first ever 'Queen Pageant' and to the emerging winners, • Clotilda White • Rosemund Shillingford • Rosemund Christopher Hats off to you!

Congratulations to Ms. Rosemund Edwards on her position of F. Secretary.

Women striving for excellence.


Ladies of Delices Quilting Group are hand quilting many fine pieces of work which are very unique and attractive.

When looking for a gift for some one local or foreign, you can get some from the Centre.

for The Museum is in the heart of Eden, in the Community Resource If searching recent scientific information on the coconut plant, you can visit the Coconut Museum.

At the museum, there is coconut craft for Wesley