By Bonnie Edwards (Submitted)
The MeToo Movement has brought fresh attention to an old problem that plagued the workplace worldwide. Although it began in the United States, it has global reach. When on January 17, 2022, a group of workers in St. Kitts and Nevis decided to march in protest of sexual harassment and other offences which focused on workers’ rights, the movement hit the Caribbean in a dramatic way. Parks and Beaches protesters were ordinary people who were self-organized and self-motivated to march in solidarity with their co-workers who experienced sexual harassment at the hands of their supervisor. Their general complaints together with their sexual harassment complaints were heard and addressed.
Dr. Janeille Matthews, Harvard scholar, argues that more than any other workplace abuse, sexual harassment has resonated with the Caribbean public, and in places where workers are not protected from misconduct generally, sexual harassment has been the impetus for such protection. Never before in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis had a sexual harassment protest been mounted. No known sexual harassment case has reached the courts in St. Kitts and Nevis, and general legislation has no provisions specifically in place for individuals who are at risk of sexual harassment. It is under conditions like these that sexual harassment thrives.
Commonwealth Caribbean countries have ratified international treaties requiring States to protect women’s rights, including the Convention of Belem do Para and CEDAW. Some Caribbean states have enacted specific laws to address sexual harassment. In an interview with Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle, former Director of Gender Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, she posited that while the Caribbean is not lacking in legislation, it lacks implementation strategies that are impactful. Governments have a duty to protect citizens from sexual harassment, and must first ensure that the mechanisms are in place, then ensure that they actually work.