BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN an effort to promote female empowerment through politics, the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWIL) held a regional networking workshop this past weekend at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.
Held under the theme “Getting Women Comfortable with Power”, the workshop is a component of CIWIL’s and the OAS’ “Regional Network of Women in Politics” programme that originated in 2002 to promote the increased participation of women in regional politics.
Regional statistics indicating the level of female involvement in politics underscore that there is much work to be done. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the House of Representatives is comprised of 13 men and two women. St. Lucia’s House of Representatives is constituted of 15 men and two women, while Grenada’s seats 14 men and two women. The local situation is even worse, as of the 11 elected and three nominated members of Parliament, all 14 are men.
So far, workshops have been staged in three Caribbean islands – Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and now St. Kitts and Nevis. CIWIL Representative Sheila Roseau revealed the programme targets countries that are holding general elections in the near future with the view of informing the electorate of the many benefits that would result from women taking more active political roles.
The workshop kicked off on Saturday (Apr. 25) with a breakfast meeting for young women interested in pursuing political careers. Roseau, St. Kitts-Nevis OAS Representative Starett Greene and the lone woman contesting a parliamentary seat in the upcoming general elections, Marcella Liburd, were among the featured speakers.
After the presentations, the views of the young women were solicited on a number of issues concerning women’s involvement in politics. Liburd noted the discussion had been lively, stimulating and informing.
“It was good to hear from the young people and be aware of their opinions and ideas about the process. I feel that what mainly prevents women from entering politics is the way many of us view it, and maybe with good reason too. In our politics, people tend to abuse one another and attack people personally. Because of this, some women may think it’s a man’s sport and are not inclined to open themselves up to that kind of attack.
“With my candidacy, I’m trying to show women it can be done and they can be involved without having to sink to that level. There are many issues out there you can deal with and you can bring politics to a higher level. I want to see the young women interested in political careers moving forward and being involved, and not be afraid to pursue their dreams,” said the St. Kitts Labour Party candidate.
OAS Representative Greene concurred with Liburd’s assertion and outlined the benefits to be gained from increased political involvement by women.
“I believe that when more women assume leadership positions, it would usher in a change in how the business of government is conducted on behalf of all the citizenry. There will be more integration of women in the economies of our countries, more opportunities for upward mobility, increased productivity throughout the economy, better governance and stronger and more stable democracies,” said the diplomat.
The workshop concluded on Sunday (Apr. 26) with a luncheon and a panel discussion that featured regionally renowned political theorists and campaigners.
