What are the laws that exist across the Caribbean that condone and foster gender-based violence (GBV)? Though most Caribbean countries have existing laws on domestic and sexual violence, there is a restrictive understanding and definition of GBV that facilitate inequitable gender norms.

Across the Caribbean, there are millions of girls who could right now be learning from home – if only they were connected. On International Girls in ICT Day, we encourage governments not to leave these girls behind.

Over the years, UNIFEM/UN Women has had the benefit of partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) in the Caribbean on such a range of issues - trade, green economy, political participation, governance.

At the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at National and International Levels, that is taking place during the 67th UN General Assembly, world leaders will focus on strengthening the rule of law, underlining its central role in securing international peace and security, furthering development and the achievement of universal human rights.

I welcome the focus on women and girls as the theme of this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Caribbean Women who are already active or aspiring to political or public leadershipare being offered an opportunity to develop and build on their leadership and governance capacities.