Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip represented St. Kitts and Nevis at CSW69, focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment. She highlighted efforts in leadership roles for women and addressed issues related to the health of aging populations and elder abuse. The roundtable included various global representatives and aimed to enhance the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and SDGs.
The Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip, the Minister for Social Development and Gender Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, represented the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States at the Ministerial Roundtable during the Sixty-ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) on March 12, 2025, at the United Nations in New York City.
The theme of this Ministerial Roundtable centered on strengthening national mechanisms for gender equality and empowering women and girls, aiming to recommit, resource, and accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In her address, Minister Phillip stated, “In St. Kitts and Nevis, we have taken deliberate and intentional steps to identify and appoint experienced and competent women into leadership roles at the highest levels.” She noted that female representation within the executive and legislative branches of government had risen to 33 percent.
Regarding necessary changes to enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment amidst an aging population, Minister Phillip emphasized the importance of prioritizing health outcomes for elderly men, who often do not seek healthcare. She urged for educational initiatives to inform seniors about estate planning to prevent financial exploitation.
Furthermore, Minister Phillip insisted, “Expanding public understanding and awareness of elder abuse as a common form of domestic violence is needed,” and stressed the importance of enforcing laws against those who perpetrate such abuse.
The panel included distinguished ministers from South Africa, Estonia, Belgium, and the People’s Republic of China. CSW69 convenes from March 10-21, 2025, and features participation from more than seven Heads of States and 108 Ministers to discuss vital issues related to gender equality.
In summary, the participation of Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip in CSW69 underscored significant efforts made by St. Kitts and Nevis to empower women and promote gender equality. The Minister’s emphasis on leadership roles for women, health outcomes for the elderly, and awareness of elder abuse highlights the multifaceted approach required to address these critical issues. The Ministerial Roundtable served as an essential platform for exchanging ideas and strategies towards achieving these goals on a global scale.
Original Source: www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com
