Lawmakers Push for Gender Equity Across Governmental Boards

In a step towards equity, the Rules and Judiciary Committee advanced legislation during Monday’s hearing directing the governor to make a “good faith effort” to balance genders when appointing members to the over 100 U.S. Virgin Islands boards and commissions.

Sen. Genevieve Whitaker, who sponsored the legislation, said the territory’s legislators had a choice regarding women’s rights in leadership – they could either follow in the nation’s footsteps or join the rest of the world pushing for gender equity.

While tackling the fight for parity, Whitaker said she and her team put together a list comprised of the most influential territorial boards and commissions. Of these 22 boards and commissions, Whitaker said 19 have male appointed chairpersons, and the remaining seats are weighted heavily to the male gender.

The idea of equity, a balance between the two genders, within government entities is one that Whitaker said is important as imbalances cause adverse impacts on economic and social development “because you really do need perspectives from both genders.”

New Horizon Women’s Democratic Club Inc. President Abbelle Baker said the legislation was timely because with Congress’ recent passing of the Equity Act 2021, “it is time the Virgin Islands move beyond simple conversations to a more concerted effort to make gender balance initiatives an integral part of a transformative culture and policy agenda.”

Though all committee members pledged their loyalty to impartiality and “support women,” there were members who, in the same breath, had concerns over the legislation. Sen. Franklin Johnson said his concern was a matter of practicality and questioned what would happen if the board responsible for cosmetology couldn’t fill half the seats with men.

Appearing offended, Baker would not answer Johnson’s question, only saying it was “interesting” he had “referenced the cosmetology board when you are making a reference to women and equity.”