Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Beyond Political Dynasties – The Critical Need for Women’s Political Representation in Antigua
The stark reality of women’s political representation in Antigua and Barbuda paints a troubling picture. With women holding a mere 5.6% of parliamentary seats as of February 2024, our nation lags significantly behind global standards, where women average 27% of parliamentary positions worldwide. Even more concerning is that our current female parliamentarians largely emerged from established political dynasties, raising crucial questions about genuine accessibility to political power for all women in our society.
While the achievement of any woman in politics should be celebrated, the path to political leadership in Antigua cannot be limited to those born into political families or those with significant financial resources. This perpetuates a system where power remains concentrated within established circles, effectively shutting out the diverse voices and experiences that could transform our nation’s governance.
The consequences of this underrepresentation are far-reaching. Research consistently shows that when women participate in policymaking, there are measurable improvements in legislation addressing crucial issues such as healthcare, education, childcare, and infrastructure. In Antigua’s context, where we face challenges ranging from economic diversification to climate resilience, we cannot afford to sideline half of our population’s talent and perspective.
Consider our local communities, where women often serve as unofficial leaders, organizing community initiatives, managing family resources, and solving day-to-day problems. These women possess invaluable insights into our nation’s needs, yet they face seemingly insurmountable barriers to formal political participation – from limited access to campaign financing to entrenched cultural biases about women’s leadership capabilities.
The way forward requires decisive action. First, we must implement and enforce meaningful gender quotas that go beyond token representation. Second, campaign financing regulations must be reformed to level the playing field for candidates without family wealth or political connections. Third, we need comprehensive programs to support and train aspiring women leaders from all backgrounds, particularly those from grassroots movements and community organizations.
Most crucially, we must challenge the narrative that political leadership is the domain of a select few. Every market vendor, teacher, nurse, or business owner who understands our community’s challenges could be our next great political leader. Their voices – not just those of political dynasties – need to be heard in our parliament.
The question facing Antigua and Barbuda today is not whether we need more women in politics – the evidence overwhelmingly proves we do. The real question is whether we are ready to dismantle the systems that keep political power concentrated in the hands of a few and create genuine opportunities for all women to serve their nation through political leadership.
As we approach future elections, let us remember that true democracy flourishes when leadership opportunities are accessible to all, not just those born into privilege. The time has come for Antigua and Barbuda to move beyond political dynasties and embrace the full spectrum of women’s leadership potential. Our nation’s future depends on it.
Concerned Voter
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The only smart one there is the independent senator….all the rest can go gwasa
Shawn Nicholas should be in this photo, but WICKEDNESS, BADMING and ENVY on the loose in upp
I am a man who wants to see women involved in politics. After all, I admire my mother who managed our home better than any politician can run the country. I think she is the greatest politician of all times. She also taught me to respect women and their valuable abilities.
But I have to say that none of them on this list does not command any respect. They are the biggest sellouts in the female sector.
Look at all of them. They are all sucking up to their leaders and would let them do and say whatever they want to get them up there.
I hope my daughter does not look at any one of them as any role model.
Where is the dynamic Ms. Jermaine Edwards for this list. She has proven willing to stand against all odds to support her country. She points out the wrongs within her party and in the current administration that takes guts. It seems everyone is willing to overlook her because she speaks her truth. It is this kind of support the constituencies and the country need
why should she be there??? She nah even pass the trials, much less advance to the race itself. She get what she deserve because she tried so hard to UNDERMINE GLADYS POTTER!!!!
How do we get more women in politics? Do we ant them in politics or in the parliament? Should we automilatically elect the women over the men when they come up against the men in the elections or should we put women against women in constituencies? Should Anthony “”Babyface Judas” Smith step aside and let Barbara Coated be the flrepresentatibe to increase the ratio of women in parliament? She the UPP not send a male candidate of Should they send a female to contest against Maria “Pixie Mrs Tap Dawg” Browne? We. Need to out our brains in great before we put our mouth, pen or computer skills in action..
Where is Chaneil? Every time I see what she is doing with her group or on ABS, I feel so proud. People don’t know what they ae missing.
You are clearly a paid commenter, a blind mouse, or a selfish bitter person. Ms. Edwards campaigned on behalf of Mrs. Potter and I saw her. She came to the new extension along with a handful of others and that is where I met her first. She spoke well of Mrs. Potter before the loss and after the loss of the general election. Even on her approach to me for Support, she was clear that she was challenging and was very respectful in her speech. I am so sick and tired of people always thinking they are above a challenge. I supported Mrs. Potter even after her very NASTY behavior to Kyron that I saw first hand. I mean NASTY! A certain some in the leadership approached Ms. Edwards as they stated they were no longer interested in you representing the party. Me Min Dey. Some of them now sit with you and some are silent because dem afraid. Edwards came to meeeeeeeeee and a group of others about 15 of us from different parts in the constituency and asked our unbiased opinion. Some of us were happy others were so-so but we all agreed she would be best. However, we were not willing to join the branch. Edwards still never made her decision because she did not pull together a team until over a month later.
You are sickening and this is why we get no where. Ms. Edwards never lost, she pulled out knowing she could win but didn’t care to because of the inner corruption of the party because she did not support the current leader. She However still supported the leader after he emerged as she continued to fight for her party against the ABLP all while being mistreated and abused. I am not sure how the way forward will look for the UPP what I know is she has reached out to us asking us to stand firm. The default caretaker as I call him needs to reach out to her as she has a whole lot of support as you all are about to see. You underestimated the wrong one. She did not lose, she is a politician for the people and you will be mindful to look out for the rise of the Phoenix. Edwards has heart and is smart. As she stated to us just two days ago. “A party is not needed for me to represent my people. I am not here to have my name in lights but to light the way for us all.” Statements like that is why her following is still growing. So you can keep up your NASTINESS! She is here working honestly and truly and for the best. It could do you well to learn a thing or two. Winning looks different for everyone. She WON!!
Look at you. You couldn’t even use your real name JERMAINE. u def not ready and never will have a place on upp ticket! Seems like you’re a PISS POOR EXCUSE for a candidate! you is a “just come” and want to try run our beloved GLADY POTTER. In the words of CP “nat you nar nar nah”.
Fall back and know ya place little girl!!! with ya washed out yankee accent trying to sound special and important. *eye roll*
I don’t think it a woman entitlement thing, it should be a human being with aspirations and political ideology to held the country, a woman is no lesser or a mortal or intellect, they birthed us men.
I don’t think it a woman entitlement thing, it should be a human being with aspirations and political ideology to help the country, a woman is no lesser or a mortal or intellect, they birthed us men.
Women stay away from representative politics, it’s too nasty and divided which is so sad. I have been around long enough to hear how they have been degraded on political platforms. The Top Dawg will let them know how and when dem mama and pupa men them even though he wasn’t there
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