ANTIGUA & BARBUDA – The women’s forum, is a staple within wider CHOGM programme.
It’s a place where women leaders, policymakers and advocates come to discuss gender equality, women’s empowerment and the role women play in economic development.
Queen Camilla’s presence added to the significance of this particular forum, as women from member countries looked at their collective challenges and the need for greater opportunities.
The speaker’s list included Caribbean Development Bank President Daniel Best, who challenged delegates to consider whether women are contributing to building prosperity, and whether they have the support to succeed.
Her presentation also highlighted pressures facing small states, like the high cost of living and growing economic uncertainty,
Meanwhile there was a strong Bahamian presence in the room, including Social Services Minister Barbara Cartwright, Senator Robyn Lynes, Jamaican Consul General Alvetea Knight and the prime minister’s wife, Ann Marie Davis.
For Lynes, the forum was important in bringing women together.
As the Commonwealth looks ahead, the message from the Women’s Forum was clear, economic progress must also include women, not just in conversations but in the decisions, investments and opportunities.
