The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) report is submitted every four years, by countries that have signed unto the convention. The convention places emphasis on bringing the female half of humanity into the focus of human rights concerns.

Saint Lucia is preparing to submit its seventh to ninth combined reports and has been hosting training exercises in preparation for these reports. The second of a two-part exercise was recently hosted by the Department of Gender Relations through technical support from Sisters for Change, through its equality and justice alliance initiative. The three-day training ran from Aug. 14 to 16, and is part of the Technical Assistance Programme with Sisters for Change.

Sisters for Change is an international organization which works to combat discrimination and violence against women and girls.

While on island, Sisters for Change finalized the signed agreement with the Attorney General’s Chambers and met with the inter-ministerial advisory team for the project. The team also held discussions with the relevant personnel on existing sexual harassment legislation.

Acting Director of the Department of Gender Relations, Janey Joseph, said the exercise focused on public officers who draft national reports. Legal Director Jane Gordon, said the training sessions help support and strengthen Saint Lucia’s capacity to prepare reports for the CEDAW committee.

Saint Lucia submitted its last CEDAW report in 2016.

The training sessions were held at the Conference Room of the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations.