Minister Isalean Phillip Advocates for Gender Equality at CSW69

The Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip represented the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States at the CSW69 Ministerial Roundtable, discussing gender equality and women’s empowerment. She emphasized St. Kitts and Nevis’s progress in female leadership representation and addressed necessary measures to improve senior health and prevent elder abuse. The event featured ministers from various countries, highlighting global discussions on women’s rights.

The Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip, serving as the Minister for Social Development and Gender Affairs in St. Kitts and Nevis, represented the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States at the Ministerial Roundtable of the Sixty-ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) on March 12, 2025, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. This roundtable addressed the theme of national mechanisms for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, emphasizing the need to recommit and accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During her statement, Minister Phillip asserted that St. Kitts and Nevis has made intentional efforts to appoint experienced and capable women to leadership positions at the highest levels. She noted the progress, stating that women now represent 33 percent in both the Cabinet and the legislative arms of the government, showcasing a significant increase in female representation.

Addressing inquiries about promoting gender equality in light of population ageing, Minister Phillip outlined several priorities. She remarked on the necessity to improve health outcomes for senior men, who often neglect healthcare despite facing chronic conditions, while also advocating for public education on issues like wills and estate planning to prevent financial abuse among older adults.

Furthermore, she stressed the importance of raising awareness of elder abuse as a prevalent form of domestic violence and highlighted the need to enforce laws and penalties against relatives and caregivers who perpetrate such abuses. Other panelists included ministers from South Africa, Estonia, Belgium, and the People’s Republic of China, contributing to the diverse discussions at CSW69, which convenes from March 10 to 21, 2025, and includes over 7 Heads of States and 108 high-level officials discussing significant matters relating to women and gender equality.

In summary, Minister Isalean Phillip’s participation at CSW69 highlights St. Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. With notable representation of women in leadership roles and initiatives aimed at addressing the health and rights of elderly populations, the discourse emphasizes the importance of proactive measures against elder abuse and the need for comprehensive public education on these issues. This commitment sets a valuable precedent for international collaboration in achieving gender equality and sustainable development goals.

Original Source: www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com