The roadmap’s formulation was also enriched by insights from a diverse array of stakeholders, including survivors of domestic violence, advocates from civil society, and women with disabilities
Ministers responsible for women’s affairs across Commonwealth nations have united behind a comprehensive roadmap on August 23rd, aimed at intensifying efforts to realize gender equality and empower women and girls, particularly within the realm of climate action. The Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting took place from August 21st to 23rd, 2023, hosted by the Government of The Bahamas in its capital, Nassau.
This strategic blueprint emerged as a result of three days of extensive discussions amongst ministers during their triennial assembly in The Bahamas this week. The roadmap’s formulation was also enriched by insights from a diverse array of stakeholders, including survivors of domestic violence, advocates from civil society, and women with disabilities.
Integral to this roadmap, the women’s affairs ministers have committed to strengthening endeavors to redress inequality in several high-priority areas across the Commonwealth over the forthcoming years.
The specific commitments encompass a heightened engagement of women in climate finance, amplified support for women with disabilities, the expansion of economic opportunities for women, the enhancement of their representation in decision-making processes, and the fortification of safeguards against gender-based violence.
The roadmap encapsulates the consensus statement released by the ministers, collectively representing a population of 2.5 billion individuals within the Commonwealth, at the conclusion of their deliberations on August 23, 2023.
This roadmap will be presented for consideration by leaders during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for next year in Samoa.
Acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, ministers shared successful strategies that have empowered women and girls to overcome its effects in their respective nations
Subsequent to the gathering, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, emphasized the exceptional significance of the roadmap, underscoring that millions of women and girls “bear a disproportionate burden of injustice, climate change, violence, and discrimination.”
She further stated, “The outcomes of the meeting send a clear message that the Commonwealth is resolute in its commitment to lead by example in ensuring women and girls play an integral role in our pursuit of sustainable development and climate justice. The achievements made here today will not only pave the way for immediate progress but will also contribute to shaping a more promising future for the 2.5 billion individuals residing within our Commonwealth.”
To facilitate the effective execution of the roadmap, ministers have endorsed a comprehensive framework for monitoring and reporting on the Commonwealth’s gender equality priorities. This framework will be employed by the Commonwealth Secretariat to periodically gauge progress based on predefined indicators and to orchestrate necessary actions through a ministerial action group, aimed at surmounting challenges that could impede the positive momentum.
Acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, ministers shared successful strategies that have empowered women and girls to overcome its effects in their respective nations.
Ministers and senior officials also rallied for the Commonwealth to advocate for the establishment of an inclusive ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ that caters to the needs of both women and men impartially. The meeting was presided over by Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development of The Bahamas.
Scheduled to be rolled out across the Commonwealth, this campaign will adopt a culturally sensitive approach to engage men and boys as active allies in addressing violence against women and girls
During a press conference reflecting on the meeting’s outcomes, Minister Wilchcombe conveyed his gratitude for the substantive achievements attained.
He affirmed, “We are departing from this meeting with a roadmap that not only The Bahamas but also other nations will follow. It would be counterproductive to revisit the same issues three years from now. Our aim is to effect genuine change. We are gratified that this gathering has elevated our position and accelerated our progress in following this roadmap.”
Recognizing the pivotal role that men and boys play in preventing and combating gender-based violence, ministers welcomed the launch of Secretary-General Patricia Scotland’s campaign, ‘For the Women in my Life’.
Scheduled to be rolled out across the Commonwealth, this campaign will adopt a culturally sensitive approach to engage men and boys as active allies in addressing violence against women and girls.
In their collective statement, ministers emphasized the importance of gathering and analyzing gender-disaggregated data, recognizing it as a crucial foundation for devising evidence-based solutions that can be precisely targeted.
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