A high-level delegation from Antigua and Barbuda, spearheaded by the Hon. Rawdon Turner, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, has arrived in New York to participate in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). The pivotal summit, scheduled from March 9 to 19 at the UN headquarters, serves as a critical global platform for advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
The delegation comprises distinguished officials, including the Hon. Shenella Govia, Leader of Government Business in Parliament’s Upper House and Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Works. They are supported by a team of experts: Permanent Secretary Sarah Stuart from the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, alongside Jamie Saunders and Ashlea Ambris from the Directorate of Gender Affairs. The Antigua and Barbuda Permanent Mission to the United Nations is orchestrating the delegation’s engagements throughout the event.
Central to the delegation’s mission is a robust agenda focused on dismantling systemic barriers to gender parity. Key discussion points will emphasize the urgent need for legal system reforms, the abolition of discriminatory legislation, and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls. Minister Turner and Senator Govia will contribute to high-level ministerial segments, advocating for critical issues such as the empowerment of older women, the full societal participation of women, and the eradication of gender-based violence.
Further broadening the nation’s impact, Executive Director Jamie Saunders is slated to engage in specialized side events. These include a session on promoting climate justice via gender-responsive financing and another where he will deliver an official statement on combating digital gender-based violence. Additionally, the Permanent Mission is facilitating bilateral talks with partner countries to foster collaborative initiatives aimed at accelerating gender equality and empowerment efforts within Antigua and Barbuda.