Cuso International proudly hosted a pivotal regional meeting in Grenada, uniting representatives from participating islands, including Directors of Gender Affairs Divisions and in-country programme officers from Grenada, St Vincent, St Lucia, and Dominica.
The 3-day event, held from 20–22 January 2025, provided a vital platform for collaboration and strategic planning focused on fostering gender equality and inclusion in the Eastern Caribbean under the BLUEPRINTS project.
In attendance was Senator the Hon. Gloria Ann Thomas, Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs, who remarked, “As a nation, we are committed to integrating gender equality and social inclusion into all facets of public policy and service delivery. Together we can build a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, contribute and be heard.”
David Eric Simard, First Secretary (Development) at the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, delivered his remarks virtually, reinforcing the importance of this initiative and underscoring the collaborative efforts of Canadian volunteers, “Canada is pleased that Canadian volunteers continue to contribute to your countries’ efforts to integrate — more fully — equality and social inclusion through government policy and practices.” He emphasized that “this is not only about equality and social inclusion, which is the main thrust, but about equality of opportunities, for making good public policy that includes good interfaces with civil society, to establish feedback loops that ensure that government services get feedback from the people they serve.”
The meeting brought together experts and stakeholders from Cuso International and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), facilitating in-depth discussions aimed at evaluating the previous year’s initiatives and outlining effective strategies for the future.
Key objectives of the meeting included:
- Assessment of Past Initiatives: Reviewing the successes and challenges faced over the past year in addressing GBV and promoting gender equality
- Future Strategizing: Developing actionable plans to enhance outreach and support for women and girls affected by GBV
- Building Strategic Partnerships: Identifying opportunities for collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders to strengthen community networks and resources
- Increasing grassroots and Community Engagement: Crafting community-based activities designed to empower local populations and raise awareness about gender issues
- Implementing Communications Campaigns: Designing targeted campaigns to effectively engage and reach vulnerable communities
“This regional meeting is a testament to our unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality across the Caribbean,” stated Shellian Forrester, Regional Programme Manager, Cuso International. “By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, we can develop more effective strategies to mainstream gender equality, and improve services for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.”
The outcomes from this meeting will inform Cuso International’s initiatives over the upcoming year, ensuring that efforts are focused on creating inclusive and equitable environments for all under the Blueprints for Gender Equality Project which is funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Cuso International
