its first public forum next week.

And the task force is inviting the public, especially those interested in gender bias, to attend.

Visiting expert on education issues which involve women in law Lynn Hecht-Schafran, from the US, will address the issue of "Women Families and Justice'' as the guest speaker.

Following Ms Schafran's speech, the floor will be open to questions from the audience.

The director of the National Judicial Education Programme with the National Organisation for Women Legal Defence and Education Fund in New York, Ms Schafran has worked for more than 15 years to eradicate gender bias in the courts.

She has is also considered by many in the US to be a leading expert and educator on issues that concern women in law.

The forum, to be opened by Women's Affairs Minister Lynda Milligan-Whyte, will be held on September 12 at the St. Paul's AME Centennial Hall, beginning at 7.30 p.m.