UPR Sexual Rights Database

Mid Term Progress Report:
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago considers the growth in participation, promotion of equality and empowerment of women as critical factors in the achievement of its goal towards sustainable development. The following relate to the advances in women's rights as it relates to women's overall participation in national leadership and decision making:
- The Inter-Parliamentary Union's world classification of women elected to Parliament ranks T&T as 36th with a 28.6% representation in the House of Representatives and 19.4% of the appointed seats in the Senate as of 1 April 2014
- In local government, women account for an average of 32% of mayors, aldermen and local councilors.
- A 2009-2010 survey conducted by the Network of NGOs for the Advancement of Women, found that women comprised an average of 29% of members on boards and commission of all statutory bodies, state enterprises, special purpose companies, listed private companies, credit unions and trade unions.
- In 2014, the High Court has 13 female judges, while three women serve as Justices of the Court of Appeal roster with a view to increasing the number of Court of Appeal judges to address the increasing case load. The Magistracy is supported by 40 women of a total complement of 56 Magistrates, led by Trinidad and Tobago's first female Chief Magistrate.
- In 1955, there were only 12 female police officers. In 2012, this number has increased to 1700 women police officers. A woman acted as Commissioner of Police for the first time in March 2014. Several female Officers have been promoted to senior positions including one (1) Deputy Commissioner of Police and four (4) Assistant Commissioners of Police.
- All officers, female or male, have equal opportunities for training and promotions. In specialist units, women police officers participate in the same rigorous training and duties as their male counterparts.

National Report:
Para 11) On 25 June 2015, Trinidad and Tobago ratified the CRPD, committing itself internationally to the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities. Although Trinidad and Tobago does not yet have legislation specifically addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities, since ratification, the Government began the process of establishing an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the implementation of the Convention. The work of the Committee would also involve the formation of policy and the enactment of legislation.