The Department of Gender & Family Affairs (DGFA) is encouraging Bahamian families to celebrate the important role that the family unit plays in providing strong building blocks for a successful nation. This weekend is especially important as Thursday, May 15 is observed worldwide as International Day of the Family, and Friday, May 16 is officially recognized as International Day of the Boy Child.

DGFA Director Sharmie Farrington, a noted attorney with a long list of national contributions, is humbled to take the helm of DGFA, especially at a time when families around the world are commemorating these special days.

“The family is important,” she said, “And we stand to have a thriving, successful society when the family fabric is intact.”

“This is a great time to sit down at the dinner table together and talk about the things we face in our lives, and solve problems as a family. We used to do this regularly as families.”

Farrington added that families could spend quality time this weekend by playing outdoor and indoor games together, going to the beach, or engaging in any of the fun activities that they love. In addition, noting that the boy child should also be celebrated, she suggested that words of praise and affirmation, gifts and hugs are in order, especially for sons this weekend.

“As we survey our young people, they tell us that they aren’t coming from organized homes or two-parent households; and it’s time to take a good look at that for the sake of our children,” she said.

She is excited to translate her passion into meaningful work at DGFA. Most recently, prior to her new appointment, Farrington was busy at work as president of the National Women’s Advisory Council. She has also served as the executive director of the Consumer Protection Commission, a legal consultant in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the former data protection commissioner.

“Some of the things I intend to focus on as the new director include ensuring that all members of society are included in the work of the DGFA, continuing the push for equal representation around decision-making tables in the country; and breaking barriers in STEM education and professions,” she shared.

Farrington has also set out to dispel myths about the term “gender” and the work of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs. She noted the idea that hidden agendas related to sexual orientation are at work at the DGFA. All members of society, she said, must be included – that’s all men, women, boys and girls. Rather, the department is busy working to fulfill The Bahamas’ mandates based on international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

The Men’s Desk of the DGFA will be paying a special visit to Stapledon School on Friday, May 16 to celebrate children there in commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child. Chadwick James, Men’s Desk representative, said school principal Amanda Moncur was elated for the thoughtful gesture to celebrate the boys at her school on this special occasion.

DGFA is gearing up for a week of celebrations focused on the family this coming July.

According to James, boys need to hear words of positive affirmation and encouragement to help them to thrive as they grow. He suggested that families use Friday, May 16, 2025 – the International Day of the Boy Child – to give positive reinforcement to their boys, but also reward them for their achievements.

It is imperative that early in a boy’s life, his natural inclinations and talents are nurtured in order to provide them with the creative space to reach their full potential, he advised.

“A boy is growing up to be a man,” he added.

“He is a natural leader. He will grow up to be the priest, prophet, the leader and the listener of his own home. It is up to us to pull that identity out of him, based on his talents. If we don’t, we run the risk of our boys coming up with a false identity of themselves.”

James further encouraged fathers to step up and do something extra special with their sons over the next few days. He said that children perform better in academic and sporting activities when supported by their father. Jesus Christ, he added, also needed the recognition of His Father, God Almighty, who said: “This is my son of whom I am well pleased.”

Source: Felicity Darville

The post Bahamians Encouraged to Celebrate the Family, Especially Boys, this Weekend appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.