Background

On 22 May 2012, the Trust released the first report of its kind on the status of women in Jersey. The report considered issues of inequality and discrimination affecting women and highlighted areas that require urgent action.

The report was written at the invitation of the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) in London for submission to the United Nations (UN).

Report Highlights

• A low representation of women in the States Assembly and other decision-making positions
• The high cost of childcare
• The absence of discrimination legislation or legislation on maternity or parental leave and flexible working.
• A lack of statistics relating to the pay differences between men and women performing comparable roles, without which it is impossible to address this potential issue.
• The astonishing assumption in Jersey based on the Income Tax Law 1961, that the income of a married woman is deemed to be that of her husband.

Click here to read the full report: CEDAW Alternative Report 2012

“A low representation of women in the States’ Assembly and other decision making positions”

To address the issue of low representation of women in the States’ Assembly the Trust was delighted with the overwhelming support for the breakfast seminar Advancing Women in Politics & Public Life in October 2013. Over 160 people attended the event, which was generously supported by EY.

 Dame Tessa Jowell gave the keynote speech in which she highlighted the fairness aspect of the equality debate and the financial benefits of equal representation in business and politics. She also discussed the importance of affordable childcare and the ongoing need to tackle unacceptable levels of domestic violence.

In 2014 and 2018 JCRT supported a series of workshops aimed at women wishing to stand for election or public office.      The sessions were well attended and a number of new female candidates stood for election

Jersey Women in Business Report

Following on from the initial workshops a report on Jersey Women in Business was prepared highlighting the barriers which many women experience in achieving success in their professional life.   

Gender imbalance has been a specific area of focus globally as it relates to diversity on boards and senior management positions within organisations.

It is commonly agreed, the composition of businesses and boards need to reflect the market in which they operate. There have been numerous studies confirming the premise that businesses and boards are more effective if recruitment is from the broadest pool of applicants.   Gender diversity on boards and throughout senior management nurtures diversity of thinking which enhances the decision making process and promotes stronger leadership.   The strongest and most successful businesses are those which embrace and support diversity.     Companies which actively promote programmes supporting gender equality achieve better financial performance than their peers (Catalyst 2004).

Click here to read the full report:  Jersey Women in Business Report 2014

The Trustees welcome feedback on the Reports which are published.