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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reiterated the need for greater gender parity in Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament, acknowledging that women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership.
Speaking on The Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, the Prime Minister noted that Minister of Housing, Lands and Urban Renewal Maria Browne is currently the only woman in the lower house of Parliament.
“We have an unfortunate situation of our Parliament in which we only have a lone female,” Mr Browne said. “I’m hoping that this inequity will be corrected in future elections and that our people go to extra [lengths] to ensure that there is some gender parity in the top leadership of the country.”
He pointed to past efforts by the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) to increase female representation, referencing several female candidates who contested the last general election.
“We tried last elections… we did point out to the people of Antigua and Barbuda that we had some very capable females,” he said, adding that he remains hopeful that the electorate will recognise the importance of a more balanced Parliament.
The Prime Minister described women as the “backbone of our society” and emphasised their crucial role in nurturing families and communities.
“Our women are literally the backbone of human civilization when it comes to nurturing… our children, and it’s only important that we continue to empower them,” he said.
As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, Mr Browne called for increased efforts to support and uplift women in leadership.
“We should use this International Women’s Day to increase our commitment to empowering our women… and to continue to love and to protect them, not to abuse them,” he stated.
While he acknowledged the existing gender imbalance in Parliament, Mr Browne suggested that addressing the issue would require a societal shift in recognising the value of women in governance.
“I think we should do all in our power to empower them,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on gender equality in leadership across the Caribbean. While women make up a significant portion of the electorate, they remain underrepresented in key decision-making roles.
The government has previously pledged to support initiatives aimed at encouraging more women to enter politics, but concerns remain over the barriers that discourage female participation.
Mr Browne suggested that political parties and voters alike have a role to play in ensuring a more balanced Parliament.
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It’s about time we heard a call for more women in politics, but words are only the start. How is PM Browne planning to support women in leadership once they’re in office?
I appreciate the sentiment, but we’ve heard these calls for years without significant change. PM Browne must ensure this isn’t just a soundbite.
More women in politics sounds good, but we need to address the systemic barriers that prevent women from even entering the political arena in the first place.
PM Browne’s call for greater female representation is a start, but what about tackling the gender bias that often undermines women once they’re in political roles?
The push for more women in politics is important, but let’s not forget about the quality of representation. We need effective leaders, not just more female faces in government.
I’m all for more women in leadership, but I hope PM Browne’s call for change is backed by actual policy reform and not just a campaign slogan.
Great call Gaston Browne. Lead from the front with your party. Retire Cutie and have a female candidate. Robin is on his way out. Why don’t you replace him with a female candidate? You do not have a candidate for St Phillips South. Will we see a female on your slate in that constituency? Why didn’t you chose a female in All Saints East and St Luke’s rather than the failure you have chosen. She to would have gotten blows however if she is young it would afford her the opportunity to build a base. Max and Melford are spent shells. Why don’t you find suitable female candidates to represent your party as replacement in their constituencies. You are good at talking and showing no actions. Please when you want things done you must lead. Stop suggesting things that you have all control over and do it.
This is a good soundbyte but let’s see action. Also, when Imoff was named as a person who could challenge Turner, yall disparaged her and continue to place men like Dwayne, Smith, Tabor, Dr. Benjamin and so infront of women in the party and women who join them. Tell him to lead by example and appoint a capable woman to the Senate.
How many female Permanent Secretaries are there?
Are their contributions towards society building being highlighted so that they and their accomplishments can be seen?
How many Heads of Departments are there?
If these ladies’ contributions to Nation building are not brought to the forefront, how can we expect that they would feel seen and valued which may then propel them to aim higher.
The Prime Minister’s call for more women in Parliament is a step in the right direction, as gender balance in leadership is crucial for inclusive decision-making. However, it is important to clearly define what is meant by “women” in the political arena.
With evolving gender identity discussions and legal changes that allow individuals to identify as the opposite sex, the criteria for female representation could become a topic of debate.
If the intention is to ensure that biological women have greater political opportunities, then policies must explicitly support and empower them in leadership roles. At the same time, any laws regarding gender identity should be carefully examined to avoid unintended consequences in representation.
Additionally, there are emerging dynamics within political parties that could lead to internal tensions.
In St. Paul’s, the United Progressive Party (UPP) may face challenges related to this issue if there are differing views among members. Political candidates who are known to be gay and who may take on non-traditional gender roles in their personal lives could further complicate the conversation about gender representation.
Why not start with the senate …… how is it Angelica Odonoghue who is a young , black , extremely intelligent & excellent communicator NOT a senator up to now ?? She is youthful and also a hard working single parent who has been batting for the ablp . No one can disagree with that .
It’s crazy how Angelica Odonoghue isn’t in the senate up to now !
The likes of Pearl Quinn might explain the small female representation in today’s politics. What does she bring to the table, except a loud mouth that says absolutely nothing?
Angelica is that you begging for a seat at the table?
Anyway, to the person mentions Permanent Secretaries, you have to be kidding. You see how our public sector is run and you think they’ll add value?
I don’t care about identity politics. I care about quality.
After reading all the comments, all I think of is “Crabs in a barrel”. How low can you all go? Look at the way many of you disparage the Hon. Maria Browne in the other article on challennges women face in public office.
You all are anti-everything. I guess it’s the true meaning of Anti-gua.
I like this idea. The only female I see going forward is Mrs Bakesha and i wholeheartedly wish her the best. I’ve met her before because she assisted me with something personal and I think she will be a good fit
Go Kesha. Female rwe want for st george