Minister Phillip Addresses the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

The Honorable Isalean Phillip, Minister of Social Development and Gender Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, addressed the Sixty-ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on March 12, 2025. Her address underscored the nation’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark agreement adopted thirty years prior at the Fourth World Conference on Women. This session served as a critical juncture for reviewing and assessing the global progress made towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. Minister Phillip’s statement highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’s ongoing efforts to integrate a gender-sensitive approach into its national development strategy, aligning with the nation’s broader ambition of achieving sustainable island state status.

Minister Phillip outlined several key advancements in women’s empowerment and gender equality within St. Kitts and Nevis. She noted the increased representation of women in parliament, reflecting a growing recognition of women’s leadership potential and political voice. Legislative reforms to the Domestic Violence Act in 2022 were also emphasized, demonstrating the government’s commitment to strengthening legal protections for women and providing easier access to justice and protection orders against perpetrators. Furthermore, the Minister highlighted training programs designed to empower women economically, fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence. These programs aim to equip women with the necessary skills and resources to participate fully in the economic sphere.

While celebrating these advancements, Minister Phillip also raised a crucial point regarding the inclusion of men and boys in gender equality initiatives. She advocated for a more holistic approach to gender development, emphasizing the importance of engaging men and boys in conversations surrounding masculinity, traditional gender norms, and their own needs for support and socialization. Minister Phillip argued that a truly effective strategy for gender equality must address the roles and expectations of both genders, fostering a more collaborative and inclusive environment for positive change. Ignoring or deferring the needs of men and boys, she argued, risks undermining the broader goals of gender equality.

The Minister then shifted focus to the existential threat of climate change, particularly relevant to small island developing states like St. Kitts and Nevis. She underscored the vulnerability of women and girls in these regions, whose livelihoods and well-being are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to essential resources. Minister Phillip urged the international community to prioritize investments in climate resilience, mitigation, and adaptation plans specifically tailored to the needs of Caribbean and Pacific island nations. She emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation and support to address the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable communities.

Minister Phillip concluded her address with a plea for global peace and expressed deep concern for the plight of women and girls in Haiti, a neighboring Caribbean nation grappling with political unrest and gang violence. She highlighted the devastating impact of these crises on women and girls, who often bear the brunt of violence and instability. This call for peace underscored the interconnectedness of global challenges and the importance of international solidarity in addressing issues that transcend national borders. Her statement served as a reminder of the critical need for collective action to protect vulnerable populations and promote peace and security worldwide.

The delegation representing St. Kitts and Nevis at CSW69, led by Minister Phillip, comprised a group of accomplished women dedicated to advancing the cause of gender equality. The delegation included H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, bringing her diplomatic expertise and understanding of the global landscape to the discussions. Mrs. Sonia Boddie-Thompson, Counsellor and Third Committee Expert at the Permanent Mission, provided valuable insights into human rights and social development issues. Mrs. Lecia Phipps, Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission, rounded out the delegation, contributing her knowledge and commitment to the team’s efforts. The presence of this strong and experienced delegation demonstrated St. Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to engaging actively in international forums and advocating for the rights and well-being of women and girls.