The Bahamas believes in a holistic, inclusive, approach to gender equality and empowerment that takes into account national development needs, through the implementation of Agenda 2030, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell said on Wednesday.

“It is important, therefore, for The Bahamas to strengthen and tailor existing mechanisms, as it seeks to incorporate gender mainstreaming into wider public policy.

“Accordingly, my Ministry has prioritized disaggregated and reliable data collection and evaluation, as both a continuous stock-taking exercise, and, as a means to assure high quality, gendered and needs-based social services to the people of The Bahamas, and, to inform effective policy and decision-making.

“Toward this end, we have established a Compliance Unit, to accurately assess access to public services and resources through the use of ICT, another priority for my Ministry,” Minister Campbell added.

He told delegates that The Government of The Bahamas has also strengthened its national women’s machinery through increasing the staff of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, by 150 per cent.

“The Bahamas recognizes that in order to realize gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the country will need not only strong institutions and access to the necessary resources, but the support of others.

“The Bahamas looks to its civil society, including the private sector, NGOs, academia and importantly, our men and boys. To conclude, I wish to assure this body that The Bahamas remains committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and looks forward to partnering with you to achieve these necessary goals,” Minister Campbell added. 

Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, prior to the start of Wednesday’s Session of the Sixty-Third Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Also pictured (front row from left) are: Senator, the Hon. Katherine (Kay) Forbes-Smith, President of the Senate, and Mrs. Patricia Minnis, Office of the First Spouse. At back (from left) are: Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director, Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, and Mrs. Lillian Quant-Forbes, Director, Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura) 

By: Matt Maura