WILLEMSTAD, GENEVA – Curaçao has made significant progress in recent years in the areas of gender equality and women’s rights. That message was delivered today in Geneva by Minister of Social Development, Labour and Welfare Charetti America-Francisca during a session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee).
America-Francisca participated as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delegation, which was led by Aruban minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras. During the session, the Curaçao minister delivered an opening statement and responded to questions from committee members about policies and developments on the island.
According to America-Francisca, Curaçao has invested in strengthening legislation, improving cooperation between sectors and addressing gender-based violence. At the same time, she acknowledged that persistent challenges remain, citing cultural factors, limited financial and institutional capacity, and structural vulnerabilities within society.
The minister pointed to concrete measures, including the introduction of a mandatory protection code to address child abuse and domestic violence. She also highlighted initiatives aimed at poverty reduction, education, healthcare and economic participation, as well as targeted attention for vulnerable groups such as migrants and women disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CEDAW Committee is currently reviewing the periodic report of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Based on this review, the committee is expected to issue recommendations aimed at further strengthening women’s rights and gender equality across all parts of the Kingdom, including Curaçao.
Following the meetings in Geneva, America-Francisca will travel on to the Netherlands for consultations with the National Institute for Family Finance Information (Nibud), civil society organizations and the State Secretary for Benefits and Recovery. These discussions will focus on social policy, financial resilience and continued cooperation within the Kingdom framework.