National Linkages

In addition to activities flowing from the overall programme, the national committees operated in the following areas of focus:

BAHAMAS

Has a diverse membership of varying professions and talents.

The Domestic Violence Project was successful. Other work on Gay Rights and equality in the constitution is impeded by the heavy influence of the Church.

BARBADOS

There is less government support for women’s issues. The concept of male marginalisation is taking hold.

Focus: 1. Training – established links with police through domestic violence project

2. Advocacy – lecture series on Caribbean civilization

BELIZE

Focus: 1. Domestic Violence Intervention/Prevention Project

2. Capacity building training

3. Gender (as a subset of parenting)

4. Counselling of teenagers on sexual conduct

DOMINICA

Focus: 1. Capacity building workshop

2. Domestic Violence Intervention/Prevention Police training with Social and Health Workers

3. Advocacy (on minimum wage) and research

4. Small trade research (collaboration with other territories)

GUYANA

Highlights: 1. Domestic Violence training of Police Officers, Health Workers and Social Workers

2. Publication of Reader on History of Women in the Caribbean

3. Collaborated with other NGOs on Women and Health

4. Trade Workshop held in April 2002

JAMAICA

There is an increase in sidelining of women and the committing of sexual crimes

Highlights: 1. Parenting skills (to stem tide of crime)

2. Entrepreneurial skills

3. Lobbying on review of gender restrictive passport form

4. Amendment of the Domestic Violence Bill

5. Collaboration with rural women’s organisations

6. Honoured women with disabilities

Limitations: Police were not fully co-operative

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES/CURACAO

Undergoing economic crisis and cut in social and health services. Has led to increased poverty and hence, crime.

CAFRA’s better known and often consulted.

Has run courses on various subjects including trade and domestic violence

US VIRGIN ISLANDS

Focus: 1. Established Website

2. Research project on HIV/AIDS, mental health, et al.

3. Museum to archive women’s movement in the US Virgin Islands

4. Work on committee to stem outflow of retirement fund for pensioners

ST LUCIA

Focus: 1. Research on impact of trade policies

2. Lectures and workshops

3. Getting members to understand role

4. National consultation on trade et al.

5. Communication training (e.g. preparation of press release)

6. Women and the law

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

The loss of the banana market has triggered rising crime and further hardship for women.

Focus: 1. Research On impact of the loss of the banana market on lives HIV/AIDS especially the risk to children Teenage pregnancy

2. Domestic Violence Intervention/Prevention project was successful

3. Additional funding received
  Commemoration of International Women’s Day and
  International Day Against Violence Against Women

4. Provided technical assistance to farmers to augment their efforts

Loss some membership due to resignation

Recommends that there be national and regional fundraising efforts.

SURINAME

Focus: 1. Domestic Violence Intervention/Prevention Project (on agenda of relevant Ministry)

2. Improved relationship with media (CAFRA activities covered in daily newspapers)

3. Donation given to HIV/AIDS victims

Limitations: Building of better relationship with government and other NGOs and parliamentarians.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

An office is now established and equipped.

Focus: 1. Youth issues (challenges to them and leadership issues)

2. Projects
  exchange programme with Canadian women (Internship)

  calendar competition

  training of youth including for leadership

  leadership monitoring for young women

  collaborative project on gender and the Caribbean media

  UNAIDS sponsored HIV/AIDS response programme

Limitations: Mobilisation difficulties § sustenance of office