Minister for Community Development and Women’s Affairs

The Minister for Community Development and Women’s Affairs is a strategic position within the Cabinet of Dominica, responsible for shaping and overseeing national policies on community empowerment, local governance, and the advancement of women. This portfolio has traditionally bridged grassroots development and gender-focused policymaking, aiming to strengthen both urban and rural communities while promoting inclusive participation and gender equity.

Purpose and Scope of the Role

The minister is tasked with formulating and implementing policies that:

• Strengthen village councils and community-based organisations
• Support training and income-generation initiatives within communities
• Advance the status of women and girls through education, advocacy, and legal reform
• Guide national observances such as International Women’s Day, Rural Women’s Day, and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
• Oversee collaborations with local NGOs, the Bureau of Gender Affairs, and regional partners such as UN Women and CARICOM

Through this ministry, the government creates enabling environments where communities can thrive independently and women’s voices are meaningfully integrated into national development conversations.

Institutional Framework

The Ministry is often structured into two main divisions:

• Community Development Division: Focuses on improving social infrastructure, coordinating small projects such as multipurpose centres, water systems, and access roads in underserved areas, and facilitating local leadership training and disaster preparedness workshops.
• Gender Affairs Bureau (formerly Women’s Bureau): The main government unit responsible for gender policy. It designs programs to empower women, combat gender-based violence, promote economic independence, and eliminate structural barriers to equality.

This structure allows for both general and targeted development strategies that serve diverse community needs while aligning with broader international commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Evolving Priorities and Collaborations

One of the most distinguished individuals to have held the position is Gertrude Roberts. Following the 1995 general election, she was appointed Minister for Community Development and Women’s Affairs, a position she held until 2000.

While the role was historically centred on women’s advocacy and community grant programs, it has evolved to include digital empowerment, entrepreneurship for women and youth, and post-disaster community recovery. The minister often collaborates with other government departments, such as Education, Social Services, and Environment, to ensure that community-led initiatives are sustainable and culturally grounded.