One of the challenges of Gender in the 21st Century has the issue of women and work. The Centre for Gender and Development Studies has contributed to this debate, through, research, publications and courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

An important gap that needs to be addressed, especially in the context of globalization, is the development of policy to ensure consistency with international labour standards.
The paper examines Conventions adopted by the International Labour Organisation, a tripartite organisation that has addressed the needs of governments, private sector and trade unions. In examining a vision for the 21st Century as it relates to Caribbean women workers, the paper seeks to ‘push the boundaries’ by arguing an expansion of policies to provide greater protection for women workers as well as encouraging Caribbean countries to increase the rate their ratification of ILO Conventions. The paper therefore links the region to the international struggle for the adoption, use and application of international standards.