Slide One

About Us

The Bureau of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs seeks to promote and advance the concerns of women and gender issues to assist women and men in realizing their full potential through the attainment of gender equity and equality

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Key Officials

Cassanni Laville, Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services

Cassanni Laville

Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services

Melissa Morgan, Director, Bureau of Gender Affairs

Melissa Morgan

Director, Bureau of Gender Affairs

Our Services

Conduct research on gender and related issues affecting the Dominican populace
Lobbying Policy and Law Reform
Work hand in hand with Government departments and NGOs that share our goals
Keep abreast of  regional and global events and changes as pertains to gender and gender related issues
Speak out against Domestic Violence Against Women
Provide Public Education and Gender Sensitization Sessions and Workshops
Mobilize and Empower Women and Men
Facilitate Skills Training initiatives
Counselling (women , men and families)
Provide support to communities and community organizations
Engage senior men and women in working and participating in community life
Disseminate information on gender to the public

Staff Profiles

Melissa Morgan, Director, Bureau of Gender Affairs

Melissa Morgan

Director

Annicka Terrel, Secretary/Junior Clerk

Annicka Terrel

Secretary/Junior Clerk

Carissa Esprit, Administrative/ Library Support

Carissa Esprit

Administrative/ Library Support

Kawana Williams, Coordinator, Research and Development

Kawana Williams

Coordinator, Research and Development

Kyle Petterson, Field Officer

Kyle Petterson

Field Officer

Steven Reid, Field Officer

Steven Reid

Field Officer

Shamel Elizee, Data Registry/Communication Support

Shamel Elizee

Data Registry/Communication Support

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Bureau of Gender Affairs is the national machinery within the Ministry of Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs responsible for the administration of gender issues, including men and women’s affairs.

  • 106 Independence Street, Roseau, Dominica

    We are open:

    Mon: 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m
    Tue - Fri: 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m
    Closed for lunch between: 1:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m

  • Yes, there is. It is a commitment from the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the principle of gender equality at the national, regional and international levels. The goal of this policy is to promote gender equity, equality, social justice and sustainable human development in Dominica.

  • No, there is none. However, provision is made in the Sexual offences Act which can be used to accommodate victims of Sexual Harassment. The Sexual offences Act is currently under review and gaps relating to Sexual Harassment will be sufficiently addressed in the revised act.

  • The Bureau partners with different organizations to assist victims of Gender Based Violence. Complaints against a perpetrator can be lodged at any one of these institutions, namely:

    • Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force
    • Dominica Council of Women
    • Legal Aid
    • Social Welfare Department

  • Request for information can be made by any individual, department or organization providing that the information requested does not breach ethical obligation and client confidentiality.

    • The Bureau of Gender Affairs provides both direct care and referral services.
    • Direct care is provided in the form of counseling to meet psychological needs through an in-take process.
    • The BGA also guides victims to other relevant agencies that could provide assistance such as the Police, Legal Aid, Magistrate Court, Social Welfare Department, Adult Education Division, Health services and Housing Division.

  • All services are provided free of charge.

             

Vision

A more gender friendly society, which recognizes the differences and similarities between women and men, boys and girls,reflected in the acquisition of equal access to resources, opportunities and benefits for the realisation of the full potential of all citizens in national development based on the principles of equality, justice and peace.

Mission

The Gender Bureau representing the interest of women and men at the governmental level ensures that policies, plans and programmes are in place to achieve improvement in the status of women and men and carries out its mandate in collaboration with government and non-government organizations.