In late 2012 the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing, in partnership with the Economics and Statistics Office and Government Information Services, published an informational brochure illustrating gender gaps in population, education, economic activity, health and home ownership. The data were extracted from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing and highlight the different achievements and the realities of males and females in the Cayman Islands.
The data can be used by the Government to develop and inform initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and also draw attention to the ways in which not only Government but also the private sector can ensure that a gender perspective is incorporated in the design of policies and programmes and that employment practices are equitable.
Each of us as individuals can also promote gender equality by learning more about these gender gaps and how they have developed. Many of the gender gaps - including those identified in income, time usage, education, the work force and health - can be traced back to discrimination that is caused and reinforced by stereotypes and prejudices.
If we are more conscious of our assumptions we can realise how they affect people and also choose how we respond – within our families and home lives; in the workplace as employers and employees; as parents, teachers and mentors to children; and in other relationships and positions that we have and hold.
Promoting gender equality means valuing men and women equally and promoting the right of men and women to have the same opportunities for the achievement of important goals in society such as education, employment and income and to contribute to political, social, and cultural development at all levels.
In 2013, the Ministry encouraged everyone to make a New Year's Resolution that will benefit society as a whole. A Resolution to make an ongoing commitment to promote equality with our thoughts, words and actions by not stereotyping people on the basis of sex, gender, marital status or pregnancy.
View the GIS Spotlight segment introducing the campaign here.
