As the 80th United Nations General Assembly commenced on September 22, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, the global spotlight turned to women’s empowerment and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Caribbean leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Environment Joyelle Clarke, emphasized both the progress achieved and the persistent challenges in this critical area.
Prime Minister Browne highlighted his nation’s transition from ‘promise to action’ in advancing women’s rights, acknowledging significant strides while stressing the need for further efforts. He underscored the importance of gender equity as a cornerstone for justice, development, and sustainability, calling for equal pay, protection from violence, and increased investment in health and education. Browne also emphasized the pivotal role of women in family, community, and economic resilience, particularly in the face of climate change.
Minister Clarke, representing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), painted a sobering picture of stalled progress and regression in key areas. She pointed to the disproportionate burdens borne by women and girls, including poverty, limited opportunities, and threats to safety and autonomy. Clarke cited alarming global statistics, such as the projected 8.1% of women and girls living in extreme poverty by 2030, the persistent wage gap, and the underrepresentation of women in political leadership. Despite these challenges, she commended CARICOM’s achievements, including the election of three female heads of government in the region.
Both leaders issued a clarion call for urgent global action. Prime Minister Browne pledged that Antigua and Barbuda would ‘stand firm, work harder, and speak louder’ to ensure the rights and dignity of women and girls are never compromised. He urged the international community to transform equity into equality, declaring, ‘The time for action is now.’