Dr Leith Dunn, new head of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies at UWI. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Never judge a woman by her small stature. Dr Leith Dunn, the new head of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies at the UWI, Mona, proves this statement without a doubt as she continues to make giant strides in the academic world.

With more than 20 years' experience in academia, the diminutive Dr Dunn is a respected Jamaican social scientist who is a senior university lecturer, social policy researcher and analyst, trainer and programme manager.

"It is a very exciting time as the university is going through a new phase. I've worked with the centre before so
I am not entirely new here," she said.

Dr Dunn received her PhD from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as a Bachelor's degree (Hons) in Languages and Social Sciences and a MSc in Sociology and Social Psychology from the University of the West Indies.

She has taught, researched and published extensively on issues related to gender and development, child labour, the elderly, civil society, management and governance.

She plans to tackle important social issues by coordinating policies and programmes. "Policy is very important because without it resources would be different. I am passionate about gender issues. There should be more equality, equity and fairness between the genders in society.

"Gender and development is what I'm committed to - the power relations between sexes. Gender-based violence and the participation of boys in schools are also key areas to be addressed."

Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and French, she has travelled extensively and has served as interpreter for a number of state visits. Prior to her appointment, Dr Dunn worked with several local, regional and international development institutions, including the United Nations.

Most recently, she acted as assistant representative to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Office for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean for two and a half years. In 2002, she was a member of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the presidential elections in Zimbabwe, which was an eye-opening experience, she said.

Meanwhile, she told all woman that the centre will be looking to step up its outreach programmes. She said that so far, they have collaborated with the Family Planning Association and the Jamaica Social Policy Evaluation Project. "In each of these spheres, gender-related issues are important," she said.

Dr Dunn is committed to her family, church and volunteerism. She is married to Dr Hopeton Dunn, chairman of the Creative Production and Training Centre and they have two children.
They have also co-authored a number of academic publications - most recently, People and Tourism: Issues and Attitudes in the Jamaican Hospitality Industry.

Beres Hammond woos Toronto fans

Toronto film fest includes Spike Lee, Coens movies

Caribbean Model Search unveils Sunday