OPEN LETTER to Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey
Dear Deputy Farnham,
On behalf of Soroptimist International Jersey (SIJ), I am pleased to share the latest Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) position paper on mandatory Gender Impact Assessments. This paper can be found by clicking on the link below. I also attach the UK Press Release.
https://sigbi.org/assets/SIGBI-Position-Paper-on-Gender-Impact-Assessments-June-2025.pdf
Soroptimist International Jersey calls on the Government of Jersey to implement mandatory Gender Impact Assessments (GIAs) following proven models from Wales and Scotland. This framework outlines how Jersey can address these gaps through legislative reform and systematic implementation. The primary goal is to advocate for government at all levels to make gender impact assessments a compulsory part of decision-making processes. This would ensure systematic assessment of how policies and decisions affect women and girls.
Wales has successfully embedded gender considerations through Integrated Impact Assessments and Strategic Integrated Impact Assessments for budgets. Their gender budgeting pilots analyse how spending decisions impact different genders, with dedicated resources and training.
Scotland’s comprehensive Equality Impact Assessment processes require systematic gender analysis across all policy areas, supported by detailed guidance and community consultation requirements.
The evidence is clear from Jersey’s Diversity Forum’s research plus Welsh and Scottish success.
Jersey has the opportunity to become a leading example of comprehensive gender equality governance. The frameworks exist, the evidence supports action, and the community partners are ready. What remains is political will to implement proven solutions.
The time for incremental progress has passed. Jersey needs systematic, mandatory Gender Impact Assessments now.
Our Call to Action:
- Integrate GIAs in safety & security, justice and education policy making, as well as parish governance and service delivery.
- Recognise structural inequalities that compromise Jersey’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development.
- Incorporate GIA insights into policy design and evaluation.
- Allocate investments in gender-disaggregated data collection and accountability mechanisms.
Soroptimist International Jersey (SIJ) proposes a coordinated reform led by the Chief Minister’s Department, involving the Council of Ministers to enact policy development guidelines for a gender-first approach to policy design. SIJ asks that the Government of Jersey rethink its policy-making culture. Gender equality relies on new practices and procedures, which the States Assembly can formalise.
This campaign reflects the lived experiences of SIJ members who work to improve the lives of women and girls through voluntary action and advocacy. Our presence across the British Isles, including the Channel Islands, uniquely positions us to see firsthand the gaps and opportunities in current equality frameworks. Soroptimists believe the time is right for bold, coordinated action. As Chief Minister, you are in a unique position to advance this agenda for Jersey’s community. I respectfully invite you to review Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI)’s position paper and I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to explore ongoing collaboration.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to equality. On behalf of SIJ, I look forward to contributing further to this important work.
Yours sincerely,
Debbie Taylor, President
Soroptimist International Jersey