PM Browne Calls for Greater Female Representation in Politics

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

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.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]