LETTERS: Investing in the inclusion of women and girls in political processes and leadership directly benefits economic growth, good governance and participatory democracy.
This week, the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) and UN Women is holding a three-day workshop in Bridgetown, Barbados on "Leadership for Good Governance and Social Transformation in the Caribbean" that is focusing on women's empowerment in the region.
Speaking about the significance of women's participation, Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland said:
"If we are to combat the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and the rising cost of living, then building the capacities of women in parliaments and other decision-making institutions cannot be overstated."
While Caribbean countries have made considerable progress in improving the representation of women at all levels of decision-making, the organisation can all do more to ensure that the lives of women and girls are improved in a meaningful way.
"By combining our collective resources to create greater gender-responsive political participation, we are championing human rights and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals," she added.
As part of the "Commonwealth Inclusive Dialogue and Women's Political Participation" project and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this workshop brings together experienced and aspirant women leaders from across the Commonwealth Caribbean.
Ahead of the workshop, CIWiL Regional Board President Lady Anande Trotman Joseph said:
"Multiple crises are threatening to reverse the gains made in the past 50 years by deepening existing inequalities, impacting women's income generation, hampering their political and social mobility and exacerbating the dire levels of violence against women and girls."
This workshop will critically reflect on the status of women in the Caribbean as well as create spaces and enduring networks where Caribbean women leaders can share lessons, experiences, best practices and develop their transformational leadership ethics, she added.
Meanwhile, the Representative of the UN Women Multi-Country Office - Caribbean Ms Tonni Brodber said data continues to show that inclusive policies and legislation that integrate gender responsiveness led to reduced inequality and increased economic growth.
"Parliaments need more diversity of voices including more women from across all walks of life and vocal male allies demonstrating transformational leadership and advocating for gender responsive solutions to build back better."
The workshop also aims to strengthen technical competencies in parliamentary processes and procedures to strategically address key issues around gender inequality and women's rights in the region.
The "Leadership for Good Governance and Social Transformation in the Caribbean" workshop emphasises the importance of leadership in the advancement of gender equality and building back better.
The workshop is an important step in developing influential and accountable parliamentarians who will serve as champions in their national governments and regionally for gender-responsive legislation, policies, governance and development processes.
Commonwealth Secretariat
London
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times