WILLEMSTAD – A lack of reliable and comprehensive data continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to developing effective policies for women in Curaçao and the wider Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to a recent report submitted to the United Nations.
The response to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) acknowledges that significant gaps remain in the collection of information concerning women’s lives, including employment, income, poverty, violence, discrimination and access to services.
Officials note that collecting detailed statistics in small island communities can be particularly challenging. Limited population sizes often make it difficult to gather data while at the same time protecting individual privacy.
Nevertheless, the report stresses that better information is essential for evidence-based policymaking.
Authorities are working to improve the collection of gender-disaggregated data across a wide range of sectors. This includes statistics related to labor participation, educational attainment, political representation, healthcare outcomes and personal safety.
The report also highlights shortcomings in available information regarding violence against women. While efforts are being made to improve registration systems for domestic violence, sexual violence and femicide, officials acknowledge that existing information remains incomplete.
Another area where data remains limited is the sex industry. The report notes that researchers have conducted studies on the situation of women working in prostitution and possible exploitation within the sector, but that comprehensive official statistics are still lacking.
The Kingdom government argues that stronger data systems are necessary not only to identify problems but also to evaluate whether government interventions are actually producing results.
The findings may resonate in Curaçao, where policymakers frequently emphasize the need for reliable statistics when developing social and economic policies. Without accurate information, experts warn, governments risk making decisions based on assumptions rather than evidence.
The report also links improved data collection to broader efforts aimed at achieving gender equality and complying with international human rights obligations.