Several Caribbean countries have come under the leadership of a woman prime minister, and The Bahamas should prepare for that eventuality, according to the new Director of Gender and Family Affairs (DGFA), Ms. Sharmie Fernander. In her new post, she plans to continue the work of the Department in preparing women for leadership roles in politics, helping willing and qualified women to reach the top.
She pointed out that Mia Mottley serves as the current Prime Minister of Barbados; Dame Eugenia Charles was the Prime Minister of Dominica for 15 years; Kamla Persad-Bissessar was the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; and Portia Simpson-Miller served as Prime Minister of Jamaica. She notes the hard work that DGFA has done over the years, hosting a series of training seminars and other events to empower women in political leadership. One of the hallmarks of the DGFA was its partnership with several women-centered NGOs including Zonta Clubs of Nassau and New Providence to hold the historic “Women in Parliament” session at the House of Assembly in December, 2020.
DGFA, Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting has recently welcomed Ms. Farrington to the helm – a noted attorney and the recent past president of the National Women’s Advisory Council (NWAC). She is already making an impact in the Department, streamlining the work of the DGFA in order to increase efficiency and its impact on society.
She is excited to translate her passion into meaningful work at DGFA. Most recently prior to her new appointment, Ms. 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.
Ms. 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 that the idea that hidden agendas related to sexual orientation are at work at the DGFA. Rather, the Department is busy working to fulfill The Bahamas’ mandates from international conventions including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Inclusivity for her Department, she said, means working for advancement, opportunities, and protection for men, women, boys and girls.
Source: Felicity Darville
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