Saint Lucia, a country in the Caribbean, is considered a constitutional monarchy run by a multiparty parliamentary system. While the government works to improve women’s rights in Saint Lucia, there are still issues that persist. It is the perfect example of a country that has made significant progress in combating global poverty but is still in need of support and improvement.

Concerns for Women in Saint Lucia

Top concerns in this country include domestic violence, educational attainment, low wages, instability in the workforce and holding positions of power. 

A Women Count Data Hub research study found a difference in unemployment rates between men and women in Saint Lucia. The unemployment rate for women was 17%, compared to men’s 13.8%. 

In addition, a 2019 national report by the Generation Equality Forum, a convention that prioritizes global gender equality, identified legal reform as a significant factor contributing to such problems.

Legal Reforms for Women’s Rights in Saint Lucia

A slowdown in the judicial process contributes to challenges relating to the mistreatment of women, including an uptick in crime and violence, low prosecution rates for criminals and limited services for processing sex-related crimes. In 1955, the United Nations introduced the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action Act (BPfa), which highlights specific challenges in the fight for women’s rights worldwide, including Saint Lucia.

Beyond identifying specific obstacles, the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action Act outline recommendations that would address gender inequities related to victims of sexual violence, financial literacy, building enterprise and more. 

Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia

Additional measures have been taken on the ground. Most notable is Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia, an organization founded in 2012 that is led by women and for women. According to the organization’s mission statement, the purpose is to empower women and children victims of domestic violence through resources that will provide them with the necessary economic and social skills to thrive.

To combat food insecurity among women and children, the organization established the Food Box Program, assisting over 3,000 women and children in Saint Lucia in gaining access to food.

In addition, the organization established a safe housing project and documented helping over 100 victims of abuse and domestic violence. The organization provides victims of gender-based violence with access to secure housing and rental support, empowering self-autonomy among women in abusive scenarios. This initiative paints a clear picture; support for women experiencing violence and abuse is highly critical.

Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action Act (BPfa)

A poverty assessment report found that 17.4% of households led by men were poor. In contrast, 20.4% of households led by women were poor. This divide shows an apparent inequity between men and women when it comes to poverty levels. Such measures outlined in the BPfa suggest that eliminating poverty among women is a top priority as strategic initiatives and solutions are put in place by the government and organizations doing the groundwork.

Other problems, including hunger and domestic violence, can be traced back to poverty. It is an all-encompassing term that can lead to further instability in the lives of individuals. 

On a broader scale, the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training serves to help all citizens of Saint Lucia access equitable educational experiences. 

While not explicitly geared towards women, the ministry offers a variety of resources, including Book Bursary Programmes. This program was introduced in 2002 and actively works toward assisting parents and guardians of children who are unemployed. It provides textbooks and builds literary skills to help women gain the skills needed to attain a more diverse job. 

The BPfA also outlines the importance of expanding access to technology. This will encourage job diversification amongst women due to job segregation among women and women in the workforce. 

Access to such resources continues to expand. In 2019, five information communication and technology centers opened in Gros Islet, a village in Saint Lucia. ICT centers are facilities that provide technological services, typically to larger communities.

A Look Ahead

Overall, there will always be achievements, setbacks and significant challenges in addressing global poverty. Increased government support can play a critical role in tackling gender inequities and poverty in Saint Lucia. Continued support from government and federal agencies is necessary to advance women’s rights and eradicate poverty everywhere.

– Dominic Samaniego
Photo: Flickr