NEW YORK, NY – Speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the 55th Session of the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), State Minister for Labour and Social Development Loretta Butler-Turner called for an end to gender stereotypes in the fields of science and technology, and a reexamining of traditional gender roles to allow greater access for women in these fields.
“While it is commendable to undertake initiatives to create a knowledgeable, skilled and technical work force to allow countries to compete globally, it is also important to ensure balance, equity and non-discrimination in the creation of such a work force, and that it caters to the needs of all members of the society – men and women, boys and girls,” Mrs. Turner said.
“Gender stereotyping and the persistent exclusion of women in careers in the field of science and technology must be eliminated if we are to achieve the goals and aspirations we have set for women.”
The minister highlighted the disparity in participation in science and technology, citing a study which revealed that women in the Caribbean attain higher levels of literacy and numeracy than males and that a larger proportion of females were entering the fields of chemistry and mathematics than males, and an equal proportion for physics. She also noted a reversal of ‘male dominance’ in tertiary enrolment and gender disparities in favour of women, and stressed that women worldwide account for slightly more than a quarter of all scientific researchers.
“However,” Mrs. Turner said, “we are still very far away from parity in this area. More needs to be done in CARICOM Member States and elsewhere to change cultural and attitudinal biases and family expectations that perpetuate gender stereotype in our educational system.”
“Unless innovative approaches are adopted to increase access to and the representation of women and girls in science and technology, gender equality and the empowerment of women will largely remain rhetorical and the attainment of their full potential will not be realised.”
Haiti On behalf of the CARICOM, Mrs. Turner also highlighted the continuing dire situation facing Haiti.
“One year after the devastating earthquake in that country, life is far from normal, especially for women and girls, who face the triple challenges of increasing poverty, environmental and health risks, and persistent exposure to sexual abuse and other forms of violence,” she said.
“Even though the people of Haiti remain resilient in the face of such challenges, it is disheartening to note that only a fraction of the assistance pledged has actually been received. CARICOM is again appealing to States to make good on their pledges of assistance bearing in mind that the women and girls of Haiti bear the brunt of such suffering and are hard pressed under such circumstances to contribute to the peace and development of their country.”
By K. Quincy Parker
Press Attache Embassy of The Bahamas Washington, DC
