Gender Equality Cayman (GEC) has released the findings of its 2023 Workplace Equality Survey, offering a detailed snapshot of the challenges and opportunities for advancing gender equality in the Cayman Islands. The biennial survey highlights persistent disparities, cultural barriers, and calls to action to foster a more equitable workplace environment across the islands.
The 2023 report, derived from extensive data collection and interviews with participants across sectors, sheds light on the systemic issues affecting workplace equality. It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and employers to address these gaps, emphasizing that achieving equity is essential for fostering a thriving and inclusive workforce.
About Gender Equality Cayman
Gender Equality Cayman is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing gender equity in the Cayman Islands. Through research, education, and advocacy, GEC works to eliminate barriers and create a more inclusive society.
Key Findings and Conclusions
The survey results point to several pressing issues requiring attention:
- Persistent Gender Disparities
- Cultural and Career Progression Barriers
- Flexible Working Policies
- Lack of Pay and Promotion Transparency
- Intersectionality and Inclusion
Recommendations for Policymakers and Employers
To address these findings, GEC recommends:
For Policymakers:
- Expand Maternity and Paternity Leave: Increase legal requirements for parental leave to support work-life balance and reduce career setbacks for women.
- Mandate Pay Transparency: Enforce regulations requiring organizations to publish gender pay gap reports annually.
- Promote EDI Initiatives: Fund and enforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI) programs to foster inclusive workplaces.
For Employers:
- Commit to Pay Transparency: Clearly communicate salary structures and criteria for raises to eliminate ambiguity and ensure fair compensation.
- Enhance Flexible Working: Continuously adapt policies for remote work, flexible hours, and part-time roles to support employees’ diverse needs.
- Improve Parental Leave: Offer extended and equitable parental leave options, including flexible return-to-work pathways.
- Develop Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship opportunities to guide and empower women and marginalized groups.
- Create Clear Career Progression Pathways: Communicate promotion criteria and advancement opportunities to ensure equal access for all employees.
- Foster Leadership Diversity: Implement targeted initiatives to promote women and marginalized genders into senior management roles.
Call to Action
GEC invites policymakers, businesses, and community leaders to review the full survey findings and join the ongoing dialogue on workplace equality. A public forum will be held in May 2025 to discuss these issues and explore actionable solutions.
For more information and to access the full 2023 Gender Equality Survey Report, visit Surveys — Gender Equality Cayman.