Transformational leadership for gender equality in the Caribbean: regional strategies and partnerships

Following recent elections in the Caribbean region, women’s representation in political office has increased, approaching or surpassing parity in some legislative chambers. This progress has drawn attention to women’s contributions to political decision-making and the importance of gender-responsive governance. Reinforced by current global momentum to address development challenges from a gender perspective, there is an opportunity to solidify progress and reinforce enabling conditions for transformational leadership in support of gender equality.

The increase in women’s representation comes at a critical time for the Caribbean. Although many gains have been made, there remain significant gaps, especially related to using gender equality as a catalyst for sustainable development in challenging fiscal spaces. Parliamentarians can lead efforts in ensuring genderresponsive governance on policy issues such as climate change adaptation, citizen security, social protection, energy, and agriculture.

The meeting will convene parliamentarians, ministers, representatives from multilaterals, national gender machinery, and civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to take stock of current initiatives in the region to advance women’s leadership and gender equality, and to develop strategies to mainstream this focus in national sustainable development efforts. Through a series of dynamic exchanges, the delegates will forge strengthened partnerships, coordinate agendas, and contribute to these efforts at the regional level by providing input on a CARICOM Regional Gender Equality Action Plan and Policy.

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