Saint Lucian youth advocate and representative of the Do-Nation Foundation Inc. Diane Felicien has described her participation in the BLUEPRINTS for Gender Equality Close-Out Event in Grenada as both a humbling and transformative experience, underscoring the growing regional push to advance gender equity across the Caribbean.
Speaking on her experience, Felicien reflected on the significance of representing Saint Lucia on a regional platform, noting that the moment extended beyond personal achievement to embody the collective voices of women and girls whose stories often go unheard.
She emphasized that gender equality is not an abstract ideal, but one grounded in lived realities. Drawing from her own journey and the experiences of those she has worked with, she highlighted the importance of amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized. In doing so, she noted that her contribution at the forum was not solely her own, but representative of young girls across Saint Lucia who are still navigating their path to confidence and self-expression.
Central to her presentation was the EmpowerHER Project, an initiative supported under the BLUEPRINTS programme, which has made a measurable impact in rural communities across the island. Through the project, safe and inclusive spaces were created for young girls to engage in dialogue, build self-esteem, and develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose.
Felicien credited the Department of Gender Relations for providing critical technical support, noting that their guidance ensured the initiative remained aligned with national priorities while strengthening its overall effectiveness. Recognition was also extended to Nickson Barry, whose coordination at the community level was described as instrumental in delivering the programme and ensuring its reach and impact.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the EmpowerHER Project, she pointed to visible changes among participants, including increased confidence, a willingness to speak openly about social issues, and a growing recognition of their own leadership potential. Beyond individual transformation, she also highlighted a broader shift within communities, where conversations around gender equality, inclusion, and social support systems have become more prominent.
Importantly, she stressed that meaningful progress must extend beyond women and girls, advocating for a more inclusive approach that also embraces men, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
According to the advocate, true change is reflected not only in policy frameworks but in people—through evolving mindsets, strengthened voices, and collective action.
Her participation in the Grenada forum, she said, reaffirmed her commitment to the work being carried out by the Do-Nation Foundation Inc., and reinforced the importance of continued collaboration among governments, civil society, and communities to build a more inclusive Caribbean where no one is left behind.
