Saint Lucia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality and strengthening justice systems for women and girls during the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) currently underway at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Representing Saint Lucia in the Ministerial Segment are Minister for Equity, Labour, Gender and Social Justice, Hon. Emma Hippolyte, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel. The delegation also includes Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, H.E. Menissa Rambally, along with other members of the country’s UN Mission.
During her national statement, Minister Hippolyte emphasized Saint Lucia’s commitment to inclusive development under the government’s “Putting People First” agenda and the national development framework “Douvan ansanm.” She noted that promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws and policies, and addressing structural barriers faced by women and girls are essential steps toward sustainable national development.
“It is a declaration of our shared belief that progress must be achieved for all, with all. Promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers faced by women and girls are not actions that benefit women alone; they are essential to sustainable national development,” the Minister stated.
Minister Hippolyte highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Saint Lucia to advance gender equality and labour protections. These include the establishment of a tripartite labour mechanism, the ratification of key International Labour Organization conventions, and ongoing reforms to modernize the country’s Labour Act, including provisions that recognize gender-equitable caring responsibilities.
She also pointed to the development of a Decent Work Country Programme, aimed at ensuring labour policies remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of both women and men.
Addressing the issue of gender-based violence, the Minister outlined recent institutional reforms that have strengthened conflict resolution and violence prevention measures within the national security framework. The Saint Lucian delegation also underscored the unique vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), noting that global challenges such as climate change disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable populations.
“Leaving anyone behind ultimately holds everyone back,” Minister Hippolyte told the international assembly. “We cannot advance if justice is uneven and rights remain the privilege of only a few.”
Saint Lucia also expressed support for recommendations outlined in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report to the Commission, which calls on member states to strengthen collective action to ensure the protection and fulfillment of the rights of women and girls globally.
The Minister is participating in several roundtable discussions while exploring opportunities for international cooperation and support in advancing gender equality initiatives and the empowerment of older women in Saint Lucia.
The Commission on the Status of Women remains the United Nations’ principal intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Each year, ministers and government representatives from around the world gather to review progress, share best practices and commit to advancing policies that strengthen women’s rights and participation across all sectors of society.
This year’s session runs from March 9 to March 19, with the Ministerial Segment concluding on March 13.
