St. Kitts and Nevis Seeks Strategic Partnerships with UN Women as Organization Marks 15th Anniversary

The confluence of the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent provided a strategic platform for the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister for Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate and Constituency Empowerment of St. Kitts and Nevis, to engage with H.E Sima Sami Bahous, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women. This meeting underscored the critical intersection of sustainable development and gender equality, particularly within the context of vulnerable nations like St. Kitts and Nevis. The timing was further significant as UN Women celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a period of significant progress in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment globally. The meeting presented an opportunity to leverage UN Women’s expertise and resources to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Dr. Clarke emphasized the disproportionate impact of developmental vulnerabilities, such as climate change and environmental degradation, on women and girls. Recognizing their crucial roles across various sectors, from agriculture and fishing to healthcare and education, she stressed the necessity of targeted support and strategic partnerships to empower them. UN Women, with its global reach and established track record, emerged as an ideal partner to facilitate this support, aligning with both the UN’s and the St. Kitts and Nevis administration’s commitment to mainstreaming gender equality within the broader framework of sustainable development. This collaboration aims to create tailored programs and initiatives that address the specific needs of women and girls in the Federation, strengthening their resilience and fostering their leadership potential.

Dr. Mutryce Williams, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, highlighted the dual nature of the Federation’s progress on gender equality. While acknowledging significant achievements, such as achieving parliamentary parity, she underscored the persistence of critical challenges, particularly the prevalence of violence against women. Dr. Williams positioned St. Kitts and Nevis as a willing partner for UN agencies engaged in combating this issue, advocating for increased access to capacity building programs, training, and financial resources to support community empowerment. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to not only address existing challenges but also to establish St. Kitts and Nevis as a model for scaled-up action in addressing gender-based violence.

The strategic partnership envisioned with UN Women extends beyond immediate interventions. It seeks to cultivate long-term resilience and sustainability by incorporating gender perspectives into national development strategies. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental challenges, and seeks to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all citizens. By working closely with UN Women, St. Kitts and Nevis aims to strengthen its national mechanisms for gender equality, promote women’s leadership across all sectors, and create an environment where women and girls can thrive.

This collaborative effort extends beyond focusing solely on women and girls. While recognizing their particular vulnerabilities, the partnership acknowledges the interconnectedness of gender equality with the overall well-being of society. It aims to engage men and boys as integral partners in this journey towards a more equitable and sustainable future. This inclusive approach fosters a shared responsibility in addressing societal challenges and promoting a culture of respect and equality for all. By involving all stakeholders, the initiative seeks to create a more harmonious and resilient society that benefits from the full potential of all its members.

The meeting between Dr. Clarke and Executive Director Bahous signifies a crucial step in strengthening the collaboration between St. Kitts and Nevis and UN Women. It marks a commitment to leveraging international expertise and resources to address the unique challenges faced by the Federation. This partnership aims to empower women and girls, enhance their resilience in the face of developmental vulnerabilities, and foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. The presence of Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sherlita Dore-Tyson and Minister Counsellor Mr. Eustace T. Wallace further underscores the government’s commitment to this collaborative effort and its dedication to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality and women’s empowerment.