Statement by

Dr. Hon. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro

Minister of Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment

To

The 50th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

Monday 27th February, 2005

Madam Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Delegates,  The government of Antigua and Barbuda would like to reaffirm its strong support for and commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome document of the Beijing + 10 review.

Madam Chair,

As this is the 50th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, as the first elected female Member of Parliament in my country, I am deeply honored to address you. While it is important that we use this meeting to shape the agenda for women for the next five years we should also make it a platform for rededication and commitment to goals and principles espoused in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The two themes – enhanced participation of women in development: an enabling environment for achieving gender equality and the advancement of women and the equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes at all levels are essential for the achievement of the goals of equality, sustainable development and peace. Without an enabling environment the Beijing Platform for action cannot be realized.

Madam Chair,

The Beijing Platform for Action and the CEDAW Convention call on governments to take appropriate measures to promote women in politics and decision-making. The under -representation of women in decision-making deprives countries of talent and wisdom, as well as diverse styles of decision-making.  Poverty, lack of access to basic resources, lack of access to political party lists and low salaries are some of the causes of women’s under-representation in political decision-making.

The under-representation of women as key decision-makers in the political process continues to be an issue of critical concern for the Directorate of Gender Affairs in Antigua and Barbuda.  A number of positive changes such as the appointment of a number of women in key positions have been achieved within political parties and institutions as a result of strategic actions undertaken by the Directorate.

Madam Chair

This session is being convened about the same time that my government is preparing for the celebration of two years in office after more than two decades of one party rule.  In reviewing the achievements of my government, I am pleased to apprise this august gathering on the progress made.

Recognizing that equality in decision-making is essential to the empowerment of women, my government believes that the full and active participation of women in all spheres of public life is paramount. The unwavering commitment of the government of Antigua and Barbuda was demonstrated over the last two years by the increasing number of women selected as candidates for the general elections and appointed to governmental positions.  Since March 2004, two females have been appointed to the Cabinet, one appointed to the Senate and one a Member of Parliament. 

The positions of  Speaker of the House, President of the Senate and clerk to Parliament are held by women. Two female Ambassadors have also been appointed as well as a female Commissioner of Police. Our Accountant General and Auditor General are women. They are all influencing agendas and helping to change the culture in public life.  This will in turn help to make careers in senior public life and politics much more attractive and gender sensitive.

Madame Chair,

Violence against women is one of the challenges that my government faces.  The multifaceted and complex nature of this problem makes it necessary for us to put in place a comprehensive programme of action.  With the support of agencies such as UNIFEM Caribbean Area Office, the Commonwealth Secretariat and FAVACA, I am pleased to say that the close collaboration of the key actors in this area has begun to show progress, but there can be no stemming in our efforts to eradicate this scourge from our society.

Evidently, a gender equality perspective is both effective and efficient as a development approach and a fundamental tool necessary for the attainment of the MDGs and other global summit goals and outcomes. As a result, my government espouses a rights- based approach to health, particularly with respect to reproductive health.  In the fight against HIV/AIDS, Antigua and Barbuda has adopted a multi-faceted approach which includes education, health information, services and treatment. 

Last year, a national taskforce has been established in recognition of  the importance of the MDGs for the advancement of gender equality. My government has recognized that considerable gender gaps still remain and has decided to develop a national gender policy that will address those gaps.  This policy will be inspired by the spirit of the Beijing Platform for Action.

Madam Chair

As a State Party, my government has taken steps to ratify CEDAW’s Optional Protocol. Emanating from the Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Meeting this past weekend, my government fully and unequivocally endorses the Commonwealth Ministers statement to the this 50th Session of the UN Commission on the Satatus of Women, which reiterates the Commonwealth’s commitment to the principles of gender equality.

At this juncture, I wish once again to express the deepest gratitude and appreciation of my government to the United Nations’ agencies particularly UNIFEM, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP and all organizations that have given support to our gender equality programmes. We  are also grateful to the Commonwealth Secretariat, CIDA and  the CIM whose assistance have contributed to the technical capacity of our Directorate of Gender Affairs in carrying out its mandate of spearheading and giving strategic direction on women’s issues in Antigua and Barbuda. In this endeavor, we shall continue to count on the support of the international community.

Madam Chair, Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Delegates,

In closing, allow me to reaffirm my government’s commitment to the goals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and remind us all that it is our duty here at the 50th Session of the CSW to voice, reiterate and secure those interests, basic human rights and freedoms. 

Let this be a year of truly decisive action, full participation and resolve to mark a period of visible change for women all over the world.

I Thank You.