Gender-based issues were at the forefront of a town hall on Monday as a government-based group made its debut.

The Gender Affairs Council introduced its goals during the meeting and attempted to start a discussion about the social factors that impact gender equality.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “The Gender Affairs Council was established to ensure that we address legislation and policy, research and evaluation, and community engagement and education.

“The forum showed how important these conversations are and the value of collaborative discussions.

“Real progress can only be achieved when Government and the people work together.”

The council’s mandate is to address problems facing women and girls, men and boys, the LGBTQ+ community and gender-diverse people.

Monday’s session, which took place at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s training room in Hamilton, involved the GAC outlining several key concepts.

It explained the difference between sex and gender, how gender was a social construct and the importance of intersectionality, or how several social factors could impact a person or group.

The council further highlighted how broad in scope gender was and emphasised the importance of equal human rights, dignity and privacy, as well as the value of education and respectful dialogue across different viewpoints.

The audience was shown survey data that highlighted public concerns about gender-based violence, stereotypical gender roles, reproductive rights, sexual harassment and workplace inequality.

The council recognised that Bermuda faced limitations in finding gender-specific data, which they said underlined the need for more comprehensive and consistent data collection.

They further acknowledged the need for continued partnerships with community groups to assist them with their work.

Attendees raised the need for better engagement between those of different genders to discuss broader issues, such as homelessness among men, racial and income disparities, and the influence of generational beliefs.

The GAC confirmed it would hold conversations next year.