Cunningham On Gender Affairs Office, Equality
The OBA supports the creation of a gender affairs office, Victoria Cunningham said, adding that the the OBA “recently tabled an Opposition Bill in the House of Assembly designed to strengthen Bermuda’s human rights laws and promote equality.”
Ms. Cunningham said, “Last week, Minister Tinee Furbert spoke about the proposed creation of a gender affairs office that could be set up to help tackle domestic violence and well as inequities.
“Back in November last year, I called for the creation of a gender affairs office following the sharp increase being seen in domestic abuse cases in Bermuda during the pandemic.
“The One Bermuda Alliance fully supports this proposal and is prepared to assist the Government with making this happen. We also support the work of the United Nations Women’s branch and hope that we are successful in joining the programme.
“Domestic violence has become an epidemic in Bermuda, accounting for one third of cases going through the DPP office and the major source of police call-outs.
“A gender affairs office would be able to collect information on these cases and could promote programs and educate our schools and the community.
“Domestic violence does not discriminate – it occurs in our neighborhoods and our families; anyone can be a victim.
“The One Bermuda Alliance recently tabled an Opposition Bill in the House of Assembly designed to strengthen Bermuda’s human rights laws and promote equality.
“Our legislation proposes to create an Equality Council at the Human Rights Commission which would promote equality, opportunity, and equal pay in the workforce.
“This Equality Council could work alongside the gender affairs office in ensuring equality for all – regardless of race, sex or other protected ground.
“The One Bermuda Alliance believes that we must eliminate all barriers of inequality. We believe all Bermudians should be treated equally and have equal opportunities to participate in our economy and our community.”
