The Bahamas Reaffirms Commitment to Justice for Women and Girls at CSW70

New York, March 10, 2026 — The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening justice systems and advancing gender equality during the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, Hon Myles K LaRoda, delivered the national statement on behalf of The Bahamas during the high-level session, aligning the country with remarks presented by CARICOM through Grenada.

This year’s session is being held under the theme: “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers.”

In his address, Minister LaRoda noted that the pursuit of justice and gender equality has long been central to the national development of The Bahamas.

“The Bahamas’ independence more than half a century ago was undergirded by Bahamian women being given the right to vote,” the Minister said. “For that reason, we are at home in any forum that advances the agenda of human dignity, gender equality and the rule of law.”

Minister LaRoda also highlighted the country’s recent policy and legislative advances aimed at strengthening protections for women and girls. Among them are the Protection Against Violence Act 2023, the establishment of the Protection Against Violence Commission, the development of a Family Court complex, and the creation of a Parliamentary Human Rights Committee.

These initiatives, he explained, are part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional accountability while ensuring that victims of violence receive the protection and support they need. The government has also expanded investments in domestic violence shelters and housing assistance programmes to provide additional support for vulnerable individuals and families.

“These advancements address structural barriers and improve the quality of life for women and girls in Bahamian society,” the minister said, noting that the country’s policies are informed by international conventions that protect women against discrimination, violence, disability-related vulnerabilities and labour exploitation.

Minister LaRoda also underscored the increasing leadership of women within the nation’s legal and security institutions. Today women make up more than half of the judiciary at every level, including the Magistrates Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

With local and global stresses on small-capacity institutions in The Bahamas, women also serve as Director of Legal Affairs and Director of Public Prosecutions, positions responsible for addressing some of the most consequential legal matters in the country.

These roles are far from ceremonial, he said. Together with the appointment of the first female Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the first female Deputy Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, women’s leadership in The Bahamas reflects an inherent and dynamic feature of the nation’s social and political culture.

Minister LaRoda concluded by reaffirming The Bahamas’ readiness to continue working with international partners to advance justice and equality for women and girls globally.

“The Government of The Bahamas stands ready to support the international community in strengthening access to justice and ensuring that the rights and dignity of women and girls are protected everywhere,” he said.

The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women brings together government leaders, civil society organizations and international agencies from around the world to assess progress and accelerate action toward gender equality.