A shortage of staff is placing pressure on the delivery of critical government services.
Permanent secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca confirmed staffing remained the biggest challenge facing the ministry.
“We have about 40 vacancies right now,” she said.
Ms Kuruleca said advertisements had already been approved this week, with plans to fill the positions within the current financial year.
She said the ministry was also undergoing major changes, with new systems being introduced increasing the need for continuous training and capacity building.
“The Ministry of Women serves more than half of the population. This includes women, children and the elderly, so the demand is significant.”
She said the staff movement remained a concern, with officers leaving for overseas opportunities, the private sector, other ministries, or further studies.
“The staff we have are committed and hardworking. You cannot teach commitment.”
She said the ministry’s focus was now on building a workforce with diverse skills to improve service delivery.
