Ambassador Adelcia Connor-Ferlance Addresses OAS, Reaffirming St. Kitts and Nevis’ Commitment to Hemispheric Women’s Rights

On February 19, 2025, Her Excellency Adelcia Connor-Ferlance, Third Secretary at the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Washington, D.C., delivered a compelling address at the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council Meeting, commemorating the Day of Women of the Americas. Her speech served as a powerful call to action, urging stronger regional commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women’s rights. Connor-Ferlance proudly highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’s own progressive strides in these areas, positioning the nation as a regional leader in the ongoing fight for women’s empowerment. Her remarks underscored the importance of collaborative efforts across governments, civil society, and local communities to achieve true gender equality in the Americas.

Connor-Ferlance began by reaffirming St. Kitts and Nevis’s unwavering dedication to promoting women’s rights both domestically and internationally. She emphasized that the commemoration was not merely a celebratory occasion, but a crucial moment to renew commitments and strengthen efforts towards achieving tangible progress in gender equality. The diplomat underscored the importance of women’s active participation in shaping their nation’s future and highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to ensuring women’s voices are heard and their contributions valued.

As evidence of St. Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to gender equality, Connor-Ferlance pointed to the nation’s impressive female representation in its National Assembly. With 31.3% of the seats held by women as of September 2022, the nation demonstrates a concerted effort to include women in the highest levels of decision-making. This statistic not only signifies progress within St. Kitts and Nevis but also sets a positive example for other nations in the region striving for greater female representation in government. The diplomat’s message was clear: women’s involvement in political processes is crucial for a just and equitable society.

Furthermore, Connor-Ferlance detailed the significant legislative advancements made by St. Kitts and Nevis to protect women from violence. She highlighted the amendment of the Domestic Violence Act, a crucial step that provides victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender, with easier access to protection orders. The 2022 amendment, she explained, has not only streamlined the process for victims seeking legal recourse but has also significantly improved the court system’s responsiveness to their needs. By expanding the jurisdiction of courts, the amended act ensures that victims can more readily access the protection and support they require. This legislative progress demonstrates St. Kitts and Nevis’s dedication to creating a safer environment for all its citizens.

While acknowledging the importance of legal frameworks in addressing gender-based violence, Connor-Ferlance emphasized that true change necessitates a broader societal shift. She argued that eliminating gender-based violence requires not only legal reform but also a fundamental change in attitudes and behaviors. Challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting respectful relationships, and empowering both women and men to stand against violence are crucial components of creating a society free from violence. This multifaceted approach, she stressed, is essential for addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and fostering a culture of respect and equality.

Addressing the OAS assembly, Connor-Ferlance called for a collective effort in the fight for women’s rights. She urged member nations to join St. Kitts and Nevis in prioritizing gender equality, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and local communities. This collaborative approach, she argued, is essential to creating a world where gender equality is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality. Her call to action resonated with the assembly, highlighting the shared responsibility in achieving a more equitable future for all. By showcasing St. Kitts and Nevis’s commitment and urging other nations to follow suit, Connor-Ferlance solidified her nation’s position as a regional leader in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and the advancement of women’s rights.