Hon. Senator Isalean Phillip represented St. Kitts and Nevis at the CSW69 Ministerial Roundtable focused on gender equality. She highlighted the country’s progress in female leadership representation and addressed the health and welfare of ageing populations. Minister Phillip emphasized the need for increased awareness and legal enforcement against elder abuse. CSW69 gathers global leaders to tackle women’s issues.
The Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip, Minister responsible for Social Development and Gender Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, participated as a ministerial representative at the Ministerial Roundtable during the Sixty-ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) on March 12, 2025. The event, held at the United Nations Headquarters, focused on enhancing national mechanisms for gender equality, in line with the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In her remarks, Minister Phillip declared that St. Kitts and Nevis has actively appointed competent women to leadership roles, achieving notable female representation in government. “In the executive and legislative arms of government we have the highest percentage of female representation,” she noted, highlighting that women’s representation in Cabinet and the legislature has risen to 33 percent.
Addressing the challenges of promoting gender equality in light of population ageing, Minister Phillip underscored the need for priority actions. She stated, “We have to take steps to improve the health outcomes of senior men, who are often least likely to seek out health care.” Moreover, the importance of educating seniors on estate planning to mitigate financial abuse was emphasized.
Minister Phillip also pointed out the necessity of increasing public awareness about elder abuse, describing it as a prevalent form of domestic violence. She called for stricter enforcement of laws against those who perpetrate such abuse in order to act as a deterrent. The panel featured representatives from various nations including South Africa, Estonia, Belgium, and China.
CSW69, taking place from March 10 to March 21, 2025, convenes over 7 Heads of State, 108 Ministers, and other high-level representatives to discuss significant issues related to women and gender equality.
The participation of Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip at the CSW69 Ministerial Roundtable underscores the commitment of St. Kitts and Nevis to enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Minister’s insights into leadership representation, health initiatives for ageing populations, and the importance of public awareness on elder abuse reflect the ongoing efforts needed to achieve the goals set forth in international agreements like the Beijing Platform for Action. Such forums facilitate necessary dialogue amongst nations, fostering collaborative strategies for progress.
Original Source: www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com
