By Alens Plante
The April 28 elections in Trinidad and Tobago marked a historic shift in the leadership of the twin-island Caribbean nation. For the first time in its political history, women occupy the positions of President (Christine Kangaloo) Prime Minister (Kamla Persad-Bissessar) and Opposition Leader (Pennelope Beckles-Robinson).
Barbados reflects a similar trend, though with a slight difference – both its prime minister and president are women.
In the Caribbean, women form the backbone of society, driving progress in education, healthcare, business and countless other sectors. Yet, when it comes to governance and high-level leadership, gender disparities remain stark. While strides have been made, many Caribbean nations still lag in achieving equitable representation for women in government. The time has come for a deliberate push to remove barriers, empower female leaders and create a more inclusive political landscape.
A history of progress and struggle
Historically, the political stage in the Caribbean has been male-dominated, shaped by colonial influences and entrenched societal norms. However, several women have shattered the glass ceiling, proving their capability and effectiveness in governance. Leaders such as Portia Simpson-Miller, the first female Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dame Eugenia Charles, Dominica’s first female Prime Minister, and Mia Mottley, the current Prime Minister of Barbados, have all demonstrated how women bring unique perspectives, transformative policies and strong governance to the forefront. Yet despite these successes, many Caribbean nations continue to see disproportionate male representation in parliament and executive offices. Women face significant structural barriers – ranging from cultural expectations to systemic bias – that make political advancement difficult. Political parties, often male-dominated, fail to provide sufficient support and female candidates encounter heightened scrutiny and opposition.
Why women’s leadership matters
The benefits of greater female representation in governance go beyond gender equality. It’s about better policies, stronger economies and more inclusive governance. Research consistently shows that when women lead, communities thrive. Women-driven policies prioritise areas such as healthcare, education, child welfare and poverty reduction – issues that directly impact society’s most vulnerable populations. In the Caribbean, where socio-economic disparities remain challenging, female leaders bring a fresh approach to tackling these pressing concerns. Mia Mottley, for example, has made significant strides in climate action, strengthening Barbados’ economy, and advocating for fair global financial structures. Women leaders also emphasise diplomacy, transparency and consensus-building, fostering stronger relationships between governments and citizens.
How the Caribbean can champion women in leadership
If the Caribbean is to fully embrace gender equity in governance, nations must take deliberate steps to empower women in political spaces:
- 1. Encouraging Political Participation – More mentorship programmes and leadership training for women in politics can help build confidence and capability. Young women must be encouraged from an early age to envision themselves as future leaders.
- 2. Implementing Gender Quotas: Some countries have introduced quotas to ensure female representation in parliaments, and the Caribbean should consider similar mechanisms to promote inclusivity.
- 3. Challenging Gender Bias in Politics: Women in leadership are often scrutinised more harshly than their male counterparts. Public discourse must shift to recognise the competence and credibility of female politicians based on their merit, not gender.
- 4. Amplifying Women’s Voices: Media and civil society groups must actively highlight and support female leadership, ensuring that women’s contributions to governance are visible and valued.
Call to action
The choice is clear: either continue with outdated political traditions that exclude women or forge a path toward a more progressive, inclusive future. The rise of female leaders has already demonstrated their capacity to lead effectively, foster positive change and uplift communities. As citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders, it is our collective responsibility to champion gender equity and ensure that women’s voices are heard at the highest levels of governance. The future of Caribbean leadership is female, but only if we are willing to act decisively to make it happen.
Alens Plante is a 29-year-old Saint Lucian student at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, who has spent much of his life in student advocacy and activism.
I’m tired of these woke news about “women at the helm”. Women, in the Caribbean have just about the same (in some cases a greater) “shot” as men to be at the helm. For example, in St. Lucia, about 52% of managerial positions are held by women while in Jamaica it is about 59%. In the political realm, they have an equal shot as men . . . The people vote for or against. That’s it. Today, governments have disproportionately funded programs for women only while men are left languishing. This is quite unfair. The crow can go on and on but there is one theme at play here . . . The destruction of men.
I know the feminists will be angry so, let the vitriol commence.
If the equality and opportunity was always available this would not be news. We all know that the history of male dominated positions has never been in high demand for women. The old adage of pay to play often mean for women playing and paying to be a part of whatever the game at whatever the price men deem because historically they (men) have always been the ones at the helm of position and power. Yes, many have come to the conclusion that investing in programs to promote girls to believe they possess the same intellectual abilities as boys has become rewarding in making our daughters believe in themselves unapologetically. Until we are a true meritocracy, acknowledging the contributions everyone brings to society, community and family whether alone or partnered by their proven capabilities and relinquish the idea of giving jobs to men, just because they are men. Women have been overlooked for decades even though they were more qualified than men simply because they were women. Responding to the word “woke”. To be awakened? To be aware? To be enlightened? Uhm, I do not see anything wrong with being able to acknowledge and know what is happening and what is going on around you. Others are clearly not taking a day off to keep you blindfolded and ignorant; who would sit down and take that?!