March 12, 2025, New York City– The Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip, Minister with responsibility for Social Development and Gender Affairs; Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities of St.Kitts and Nevis, served as the ministerial representative of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States on the cross-regional Ministerial Roundtable held on March 12,2025, as part of the Sixty-ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which is underway at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
The Ministerial Roundtable was focussed on the theme National mechanisms for gender Equality and the empowerment of Women and girls: Recommitting, resourcing and accelerating implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action,also with a view to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
During her presentation, Minister Phillip affirmed, “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.”
Minister Phillip further highlighted,” In the executive and legislative arms of government we have the highest percentage of female representation. Specifically in the Cabinet and in the legislature, women’s representation increased to 33 percent..”
While addressing a question regarding the shifts that are needed to promote gender Equality and women’s empowerment in the context of population ageing, Minister Phillip stated that there several things that must be prioritized.
She highlighted, ” We have to take steps to improve the health outcomes of senior men, who are often least likely to seek out health care, yet suffer from more chronic conditions. But we also need to educate and build awareness among our seniors and adults so they can create wills and do estate planning for the rest of their lives” to avoid financial abuse.
Minister Phillip further emphasized, “Expanding public understanding and awareness of elder abuse as a common form of domestic violence is needed and
enforcing the laws and penalties for relatives and caregivers who abuse elders is necessary for deterrence.”
The panel also included Ministers from South Africa, Estonia, Belgium and the People’s Republic of China.
CSW69 is being held from March 10- 21, 2025 and brings together over 7 Heads of States, 108 Ministers and other High- level representatives to address critical issues related to women and Gender equality.
