FEMALE Members of Parliament and senators showed solidarity with Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange at Wednesday’s one-day bipartisan conference, which was aimed at convincing the world that they can team to produce a bicameral women caucus to serve the country in Parliament.

Among those giving strong support for Grange’s determined bid at creating a body of women legislators able to share power with the men inside Gordon House were Government MPs: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson; Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte; Speaker of the House of Representatives Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert; and her deputy, Juliet Holness; and Opposition parliamentarians Natalie Neita Garvey and Senator Donna Scott Mottley.

Grange, who has been playing a major role encouraging fellow women elected to both Houses of Parliament to work together to protect their interests, suggested that Wednesday’s Regional Conference on Women’s Political and Parliamentary Leaders, held at the Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston, was only the beginning of a fellowship which should consolidate the achievement and extend it over the coming years.

She also highlighted amendments made to the standing orders of the Houses of Parliament, including the Terms of Reference for the Caucus of Women Parliamentarians, which will give effect to its constitutional duties.

“We recognise that change is possible and must take place, and it starts with forums like this one, where we can come together to share experiences, exchange ideas and chart a course for an equitable future,” she told the crowded 17th Floor Talk of the Town meeting place at Pegasus.

She noted that the route to the conference engaged many of those present in “meaningful discussions” on topics ranging from future meetings, party caucuses to gender responsive legislation, and the protection of vulnerable groups through the conversations.

“We hope to identify innovative approaches, best practices and actionable strategies that will empower our women leaders and strengthen their influence in the political sphere,” Grange said.

But speaker of the House of Representatives in the National Assembly of Belize and chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) in the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Valerie Woods was a little less optimistic about the developments. According to her, while that sentiment might be true, the region has a long way to go to achieve that level of cooperation.

“As of June 2023, we have a long way to go. It should not be lost on us that since 1995, with the Beijing Declaration of a platform for action, balancing political participation and power sharing between men and women remain the international target. We as women parliamentarians are very much aware of the long road ahead,” Woods noted.

“Women representation in Parliaments are simply not where it should be, and we recognise it will not be until short-distance spins can get us there. But, instead, it will be a journey of long-distance runs that we must endure to minimise the gap and along the way build resistance, determination and strength to overcome the hurdles and obstacles along the way,” Woods said.

Dalrymple-Philibert said that the conference marked a significant moment in the collective pursuit of gender equality and inclusive political representation. She admitted that despite the progress made, there was still a significant gender gap in parliamentary representation worldwide.

“This under-representation not only denies women their rightful place in the decision-making processes, but also deprives women of their rightful place in decision-making and also deprives us of the diverse perspectives, talents and expertise that women bring to the table,” the speaker argued.

She said that the conference’s theme, ‘Empowering Women in Parliament: Driving Change, Inspiring Leadership’, encapsulated the essence of their shared vision.”It is a vision where women’s voices are heard, their perspectives valued and their leadership celebrated,” she told the audience.

“However, we also stand here with a sense of hope and determination. We recognise that change is possible, and it starts with forums like this, where we come together to share experiences, exchange ideas and chart a course for a more equitable future,” she added, noting that the conference marked a significant moment “in our collective pursuits of gender equality and inclusive political representation”.

Senator Scott Mottley also agreed with the Grange and the House speaker that “there are women who don’t see the importance of a discourse like this, even though they are parliamentarians. That’s one of the things that I would like to say to the CPA, even as I express my deepest gratitude,” she said.

“When the material is available please women, do your own causes and invite other women to your table. And finally, let me say to all of you that I would like you to leave here with this quote, ‘surround yourself with women who will mention your name in a room full of possibilities’,” she said.

She urged the caucus to invite lay parliamentarians, “so that we can sensitise them to the significance of doing the gender responsive legislation… There are women who don’t see the importance of a discourse like this, even though they are parliamentarians. That’s one of the things that I would like to say to the CPA, even as I express deepest gratitude,” she argued.

“When the material is made available, please women, do your own courses and invite other women to your table,” she added.