Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 10, 2025 (PMO)— Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality, emphasizing that women’s empowerment is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for national progress. Speaking at the International Women’s Day Award Ceremony hosted by the Department of Gender Affairs, Prime Minister Drew called for a shift from recognition to accelerated action, ensuring that women in St. Kitts and Nevis continue to break barriers in all sectors of society.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the remarkable strides made in the Federation, including the historic appointment of the first female Governor-General and the highest number of women in Parliament and Cabinet in the nation’s history. He also highlighted the groundbreaking achievements of women in medicine, celebrating Dr. Daveen Wilkin’s as the first female Medical Chief of Staff and Dr. Joylette Woodley-Fassale as the first female Chief Surgeon at the Joseph N. France General Hospital. These milestones, he noted, underscore the importance of providing women with opportunities to excel.
“We must never take these achievements for granted. However, there are still barriers that must be overcome,” Dr. Drew stated. “It is not enough to simply recognize the day, give speeches, and applaud progress—we must accelerate action. When we act decisively, we achieve what was once deemed impossible, and history is made.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s stance on gender equality, emphasizing that empowering women is a cornerstone of the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda. He pointed out that countries thrive when women are given the opportunities they rightfully deserve, urging political leaders and policymakers to make gender inclusivity a foundational pillar of governance.
The event, which celebrated outstanding women for their contributions to national development and advocacy, provided a platform to reflect on the continued struggles for gender equity. Dr. Drew acknowledged the global reality that in many parts of the world, women still face systemic barriers to education, healthcare, and basic human rights. He reminded the audience that while St. Kitts and Nevis has made significant progress, there is still much to be done.
“An empowered woman is an empowered nation, …an empowered world. Our country can never fully achieve its goal of becoming the first Sustainable Island State without the full contribution and dedication of all women,” he declared. “This is why we must go beyond symbolic recognition and push for structural change that guarantees equal opportunities.”
Dr. Drew concluded by commending the awardees and encouraging all women to continue advocating for themselves and future generations. He emphasized that women’s empowerment is not solely a women’s issue, but a collective responsibility of the entire society. As St. Kitts and Nevis continue to forge a path toward sustainable development, the Prime Minister made it clear that his administration remains fully committed to dismantling barriers and accelerating the advancement of women across all sectors.
