CARICOM recommits to the Beijing Declaration on Women.

UNITED NATIONS, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, on Monday, reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation and acceleration of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, noting that 30 years after the world made a bold promise to women and girls, there are clear signs of regression.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-level Meeting on the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, St. Kitts and Nevis Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, and Climate Action and Constituency, Joyelle Clarke, said that women were told their voices and experiences would no longer be silenced.

“The inclusion no longer negotiable, and their lives and expertise no longer devalued or overlooked,” she said, adding that the declaration signaled the international community’s political will to serve and honor an undeniable requirement of sustainable development—gender parity.

“However, 30 years later, if we appraise the delivered outcomes of our actions, we would find clear signs of regression, promises reneged, actions unfulfilled, and the spirit of the declaration undeserved,” she said, speaking on behalf of the 15-member regional integration grouping.

“Despite their indispensable roles, women and girls continue to face unequal burdens, limited opportunities, and persistent threats to their safety and autonomy,” Clarke said, adding, “they are often relegated to the informal sector, underrepresented in political leadership, and disproportionately affected by poverty”.

She said climate change and gender based violence realities escalated by the climate crisis notwithstanding, women and girls, especially in the Caribbean and across small island developing states, remain the fulcrum of our societies, and that their stewardship and contributions are the assets which families, communities, and indeed nations turn to.

“Acknowledging this, CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation and acceleration of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and all other frameworks geared towards the realization of gender equality.

“We must look at the numbers and decode the pictures that the data paints. It is estimated that by 2030, around 8.1 per cent of women and girls will live in extreme poverty. Only 28 percent of women worldwide serve as ministers of the environment.

Women only hold 26.9 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide. Globally, the wage gap persists, with women still earning 20 per cent less than men for work of equal value. Women enjoy only 64 per cent of the rights that men do. Sobering reality in the Caribbean community, we strive for a political culture that prioritizes women in decision-making and leadership, evidenced by our three democratically elected female heads of government, whom we commend and celebrate.”

But she acknowledged that “that we still have far to go” and that last Friday, her twin island Federation “through our core leadership with Ireland, facilitated the passage of the resolution on the revitalization of the Commission of the Status of Women and renewed Commitment to Women and Girls”.

Clarke said translating intention into action can only be sustained with legislative and policy-backed reformations.

“As such, our region remains steadfast in the cultivation of gender responsive policies and legislation and the review of outdated laws that perpetuate discrimination,” she said, adding, “We must recognize that equality has to be budgeted for and planned for, and especially for those with limited fiscal space.

“CARICOM calls for increased accessible international financing that incorporates the needs of women for gender responsive climate action that acknowledges the pivotal role of women and girls in leading the charge against climate change.

“And emphasise the need for a paradigm shift in our educational sectors and digital systems, in alignment with the needs of women and girls.”

Clarke said CARICOM is recommending its policy towards gender empowerment, resourcing for gender sensitive climate financing, and accelerating the full force of political will.

“Another 30 years should not greet us. Speaking of potential and possibilities. Let us make good on our shared ambition to leave no one behind,” Clarke told the high-level meeting.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told the meeting his country has moved “steadily from promise to action” since the Beijing Declaration.

“ We have made significant progress. More women, especially young women in leadership, more female university graduates, and meals. Elimination of inequities in remuneration and stronger protections in law.”

Browne said that his government continues to institute programmes and measures against gender based violence and sexual offenses against women and girls, which collectively remain a global challenge.

“Gender equity is not only a matter of rights. It is essential for the justice, development, and sustainability of families and communities. No nation can reach its full potential when half of its people are held back.

“Our responsibility is clear to recommit to Beijing’s promises by ensuring equal pay for equal work and protecting women from violence, investing in health and education, and opening doors to leadership for small states like mine. Empowering women is crucial to survival and sustainability, as they are at the heart of the family, community, economy, and resilience in the face of climate change. ”

Browne said that the Beijing Declaration is not a relic of the past. It’s a living promise.

“Antigua and Barbuda recommit to accelerating implementation of all Beijing commitments to resource gender equality and work, even amid fiscal constraints. Amplifying women’s leadership in climate action, finance, and peace. Building and building a society where every woman and girl can thrive as equal partners in development.”

He said gender equality is not only a moral imperative. It is a prerequisite for sustainable development, justice, and peace.

“Antigua and Barbuda will stand firm, work harder and speak louder because the rights, dignity and potential of women and girls everywhere must never again be negotiable. Let us, therefore, act with urgency so that equity becomes equality and every woman and girl can live free,” Prime Minister Browne added.