I have decided to stand for Deputy after having lived in St. Helier since coming to the Island 10 years ago, and making it my home. I feel the need to contribute to my island home to ensure that it provides for my family, myself and others equally. Regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or age.
I strongly believe that we can all make a difference in our community and economy by supporting every man and woman by enabling them to contribute to their maximum potential. This includes people like me who have now made Jersey their permanent home.
Empowerment of women and involving them in the economy
In Jersey, 12% of men are self-employed however only 4% of women.
10% of women in Jersey who are classes as “economically inactive residents” reported they “look after the home”, whereas 0% of men had this response.
I believe some of these women can contribute to our economy as “Mompreneurs”- mothers who start their own small businesses. This is one of the ways to balance the role of mother and self-employed business owner.
Many mothers of young children are completely isolated from wider Island life. As a result, they struggle to find a job in line with their education and primary profession.
I would work to increase access to education and vocational courses to improve their prospects when they return to the workforce.
The States should enable those with young children who want to work, the ability to work. As well as giving financial assistance where needed. If stay at home mums can be returned to the workforce it will reduce the need to import workers.
I will work to introduce initiatives for non-working mothers and children to enable them to get connected with a wider range of community activities. I have experience of how these could work due to my time as a social worker and consultant in Israel.
Non-working mothers can contribute to society by helping to fulfil the social needs of other non-working mums and their children.
Empowerment for our residents who have English as their second language
I will work on initiatives to give non-Jersey born residents the small amount of help they need to flourish and become a part of our economic success.
The social inclusion of immigrants who are already residents of Jersey is very important. They should be seen as a resource to help improve our economy and society, rather than a burden.