"Within the framework of the CARICOM Regional Gender Equality Strategy, Member States are working to strengthen legal protections, enhance economic opportunities for women, and promote equal participation in decision-making, in alignment with the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality.”
On International Women’s Day, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) celebrates the contributions and achievements of women and girls and renews its commitment to advancing gender equality across our Region, and the world. The theme for this year’s observance, “Give to Gain", reminds us that when we invest in the well-being and development of women and girls, societies reap profound social and economic benefits.
CARICOM has made progress in promoting gender equality and female empowerment. Across the Region, women’s contributions are evident in every sphere of life, including governance, education, entrepreneurship, culture and public service, and have seen the emergence of women leaders at the highest levels of government and public life. Several Member States have achieved the benchmark of at least 30% female representation in their Lower Houses of Parliament, reflecting some progress toward one of the commitments outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action. But there is much more work to be done.
Within the framework of the CARICOM Regional Gender Equality Strategy, Member States are working to strengthen legal protections, enhance economic opportunities for women, and promote equal participation in decision-making, in alignment with the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality.
Women entrepreneurs are increasingly participating in local and regional markets, supported by targeted programmes that improve access to finance, training, and business development opportunities. Increasing investment in skills development for women and girls, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and creative industries, helps them to excel in the evolving digital and knowledge-based economy.
CARICOM remains deeply committed to addressing persistent challenges, including violence against women and girls which remains a critical issue across the Region, demanding sustained attention, resources, and engagement between women and men.
The theme “Give to Gain” reminds governments, institutions, communities and individuals that contributing actively to the advancement of women and girls strengthens families, economies, and societies. Giving may take many forms, such as investing in girls’ education, mentoring, promoting equal pay, recognising the value of unpaid care work, supporting women-owned businesses, and challenging the socio-cultural gender norms that influence how boys and girls are raised, when those norms limit opportunities.
For this International Women’s Day 2026, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from discrimination and violence, access quality education and health care, and participate fully in shaping the future of the Region.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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