ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – March 11, 2026 marked a significant milestone in youth-driven philanthropy as the International Women’s Day Piggy Bank Initiative generated over EC$1,200 within twenty-four hours. The funds were designated for Youth Arise, a charitable organization established by Makiba Ward, participant in the 2026 Young Women in Leadership (YWiL) program.
This philanthropic endeavor constituted a central component of YWiL’s International Women’s Day celebrations, strategically aligned with the 2026 global theme ‘Give to Gain.’ The initiative featured presentations from three youth-founded charities, with participants casting votes to determine the recipient organization. Youth Arise emerged victorious, securing more than 65% of the votes, demonstrating overwhelming support for its community-focused mission.
The ceremonial donation transfer was executed by Alecia Cherubin, Treasurer of CIWiL Antigua and Barbuda, with Ms. Desire Markham, Queen of Carnival 2024, accepting the contribution on behalf of Youth Arise.
Senator the Hon. Alincia Williams Grant, President of the Senate and Interim Chair of the Network of Women Parliamentarians Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the program’s significance within broader partnership frameworks. ‘The IWD Piggy Bank initiative highlighted the spirit of young women supporting and investing in one another’s ideas, reinforcing the belief that when women uplift each other, entire communities benefit,’ Senator Grant observed, noting the concurrent observance of International Women’s Day and Commonwealth Day.
The philanthropy initiative culminated the intensive eight-week YWiL 2026 mentorship program, conducted from January 21 to March 9, which equipped participants with critical leadership capabilities through both virtual and practical experiences. The comprehensive curriculum encompassed gender equality studies, feminist advocacy, parliamentary procedures, leadership development, and cannabis legislation review.
Practical components included a leadership workshop, parliamentary tour and practice session, gender-based violence awareness walk, an all-female parliamentary sitting, and a formal closing ceremony. The 2026 cohort notably included three participants from Barbuda: Star George, Shaznie Beazer, and Saniqua Jeffery.
Participant Jeressa Jeremy reflected on the transformative experience: ‘I am sincerely grateful to CIWiL and YWiL for this opportunity to develop my voice.’ Through such initiatives, the YWiL program continues to foster civic engagement, leadership development, and collaborative networks among Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging female leaders.