Jawahir calls for action on gender inequality with the creation of a Parliamentary Caucus

During a Senate session in Saint Lucia, Senator Lisa Jawahir brought up the idea of establishing a Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to address gender inequality. She highlighted the need to overcome obstacles that hinder women’s full participation in the workforce, citing statistics that show a high percentage of women aspire to work in paying jobs. Jawahir emphasized that societal norms often confine women to traditional roles within the household, impacting personal welfare and economic growth. She commended the government for its initiatives to combat gender inequality, such as supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and aligning efforts with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Senator Jawahir advocated for a comprehensive approach to closing the gender gap, stressing the importance of awareness campaigns and legislative measures. She praised the passing of the Domestic Violence Bill in 2022 as a landmark achievement in combating gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. Jawahir proposed the establishment of a Women’s Parliamentary Caucus as a crucial step towards addressing gender inequality at the highest level of government. She envisioned the Caucus creating awareness of gender equality principles and influencing laws to give women equal opportunities in decision-making processes.

Highlighting the significance of the Beijing Declaration and the Beijing Platform for Action of 1995, Jawahir emphasized the role of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in advancing gender equality and empowering women to overcome societal barriers. By championing legislative reforms and fostering inclusive policymaking, she aimed to create a future where women are afforded equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from socio-economic development. Jawahir expressed her commitment to advancing gender equality and creating a more inclusive and prosperous society for all Saint Lucians through the establishment of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus was seen as a pivotal step towards addressing gender inequality and ensuring that a gender lens is applied to parliamentary procedures. By influencing laws to provide equal opportunities for women at the highest government level, the Caucus was expected to play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and empowering women to overcome societal barriers. Senator Jawahir’s advocacy for the Caucus reflected her dedication to creating a more inclusive and prosperous society by championing legislative reforms and fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute to socio-economic development.