Anne Eliza Liburd Recognized by OAS for Pioneering Women’s Rights Advocacy

Anne Eliza Liburd, a formidable advocate for women’s rights and empowerment in Saint Kitts and Nevis, has been posthumously recognized for her tireless dedication to gender equality. The ‘Suffragettes’ Initiative, a project spearheaded by the Permanent Observer Mission of Spain to the Organization of American States (OAS), honored Liburd’s legacy with a painted portrait displayed in the OAS Art Museum. This prestigious recognition places her among the ranks of global icons who have championed the cause of women’s advancement. Liburd’s inclusion in this initiative, facilitated by the Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the OAS, underscores the profound impact she had on both national and international efforts to achieve gender parity. Her portrait serves as a testament to her enduring influence and unwavering commitment to empowering women across the globe.

Born in Antigua in 1920, Liburd’s life was defined by her unwavering belief in the potential of women. She viewed education and entrepreneurship as cornerstones of women’s financial independence, a conviction that drove her to establish pioneering programs focused on women’s development. Her vision transcended individual empowerment, aiming to create systemic change by ensuring women had the tools and opportunities to thrive economically and socially. This dedication stemmed from a deep understanding of the societal barriers that hindered women’s progress and a determination to dismantle these obstacles through concrete action and advocacy.

Liburd’s influence extended throughout the Caribbean region. As the first president of the Caribbean Women’s Association, a position she held for four consecutive terms, she spearheaded initiatives that significantly impacted the lives of countless women. Her flagship program, “Learn to Earn,” equipped women with essential business skills, fostering economic self-sufficiency and empowering them to become active participants in their communities. Simultaneously, as the leader of the National Council of Women in Saint Kitts, she played a pivotal role in shaping educational policies to guarantee equal access to resources for girls and women. This multifaceted approach addressed both individual empowerment and systemic change, ensuring that women had the tools and opportunities to participate fully in society.

Liburd’s advocacy resonated far beyond the Caribbean, reaching international platforms. She represented the region at several landmark United Nations conferences on women, including the World Conference of the International Women’s Year in Mexico City (1975), the World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women in Copenhagen (1980), and the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women in Nairobi (1985). At these global forums, she passionately advocated for equal pay and equitable power distribution for women, amplifying the voices of Caribbean women and ensuring their concerns were heard on the world stage. Her contributions to these conferences helped shape the global dialogue on gender equality and underscored the interconnectedness of women’s struggles across borders.

Further amplifying her impact, Liburd collaborated with institutions like the Trade Union Education and the University of the West Indies, providing training programs that honed women’s leadership and advocacy skills. This commitment to education and empowerment ensured a sustainable impact, equipping future generations of women with the ability to advocate for their rights and continue the fight for gender equality. Her efforts to empower women through education, both formally and informally, created a ripple effect, enabling women to become agents of change within their own communities.

Anne Eliza Liburd’s remarkable contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1996 and the Woman of Great Esteem award in New York in 2004. These honors reflect the global recognition of her unwavering dedication to advancing women’s rights and empowerment. Her legacy, however, extends far beyond these formal recognitions. Her enduring impact is most profoundly felt in the lives of the countless women she empowered and the societal changes she helped to bring about. The inclusion of her portrait in the OAS Art Museum’s ‘Suffragettes’ Initiative ensures that her pioneering work will continue to inspire future generations of women in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Caribbean, and around the world. Liburd’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of individual dedication and the enduring importance of advocating for a more just and equitable world for all. Her daughter, Her Excellency Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd GCMG JP, carries on her legacy of service and commitment to the advancement of women.