17 Participants representative of 7 countries

Domestic Violence/Violence Against Women

Issues

- Migrant women suffer violence and abuse because of the absence of regularization and inconsistencies with their status. Issues connected to this; health and abuse while in holding cells for deportation; abuse in relationships where they cannot approach the authorities because they are illegal; lack of education around their legal, working, human rights

- Violence at home leads to young people acting out domestic violence as adults. Suggested that this was a result of cultural and historical practices.

- Legal system fails women with respect to the punishment relinquished for domestic violence

- Legal system also fails to protect women in the enforcement of the legislation

- Professional women have been identified as a new and different constituent of sexual harrasment and abuse

Solutions

- To develop and implement programmes to empower women on topics such as economics, gender issues/awareness, health, legislation.

- Change government policy around immigrants.

- Campaign to eradicate violence against women through counselling

Reproductive Health

Issues

- Women’s reproductive health is being affected due to their work environment where they are exposed to hazardous substances, vapours, fumes, and toxins.

- Lack of education concerning proper health practices and sexual education.

Solutions

- A programme entitled Woman to Woman Talks done by the YWCA in Barbados that can be used throughout the region to bring awareness and information on reproductive health

- Lobby government to introduce and implement programs towards reproductive rights and health

Ageism

Issue

- Migration out of Caribbean by younger generation results various problems. E.g. the elderly being abandoned to nursing homes or living by themselves without the support of loved ones to give assistance.

- Unavailibility of user friendly public transport for the aged.

Solutions

- Programs to address transport and other accessibility for elders throughout society.

- Sensitisation programs aimed at youth concerning the treatment of elderly.

- To improve the social services to include services to the elderly with social workers.

Economic

Issue

- Structural adjustment programmes which several Caribbean countries have impacted negatively on women whereby stripping women of resources and authority.

Solutions
- Implementation of 50/50 balance of women in decision making positions.

To encourage the necessary sectors to implement such declarations. This will position women in leadership positions to effect suitable and adequate changes.

Working Committee

Sally Commisiong

Thelma Barnett

Cheryl Hunte

Adonna Alexis

Valcia Thomas

Elpidia Moreno Hernández

Carol Noel