Following is the summary of the statement made by Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin meeting of the commission on the status of women. A complete summary will be available at the meeting’s conclusion as press release wom/1491.
MELANIE S. GRIFFIN, Minister of Social Services and Community Development of the Bahamas, said that her country had made some tangible progress in the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, paying particular attention to the promulgation of gender equality legislation, empowerment of women, reproductive health and poverty among women. ﾠThe Government had made efforts to establish equal pay for equal work and address inequality in the workplace. ﾠThe Bahamas now offered reproductive health services free of charge, as well as a variety of family planning programmes.
Also among the country’s priorities was the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, she said. ﾠThe Government had recently appointed a commission on family violence. ﾠMeasures in the areas of protection, information and support would continue with the help of the country’s development partners. ﾠMany quotas had been introduced in the Bahamas to promote women’s participation in the public life. ﾠFor instance, women now comprised some 20 per cent of the Parliament and
25 per cent of the cabinet of ministers. ﾠ
In conclusion, she said that the country had suffered greatly from devastating hurricanes, and the cost of restoration had taken a heavy toll on development. ﾠHowever, the Bahamas remained committed to the cause of the advancement of women. ﾠShe pledged the country’s continued support to the Beijing Platform for Action.
