In an important step to advance women’s transformational leadership, the Saint Lucia National Chapter of the Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL SLU) has elected a new executive. At an annual general meeting on April 14th, 2023, the flagship women’s networking organization reaffirmed its mandate. CIWiL SLU aims to increase representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles within political and civic spheres.
The new Executive Committee is led by Caron Tobiere, who was already serving as Chair of CIWiL SLU in the past year. Naila Marius, also a member of the previous Executive was returned to her role as Secretary/Coordinator. Those newly elected to serve are:
• Vice Chair – Daisy St Rose
• Treasurer – Melanie Fedee
• Public Relations Officer – Merisa Calixte.
With enthusiasm, Caron Tobiere, the newly re-elected Chairperson of CIWiL Saint Lucia stated, “We have a great executive committee that I look forward to working with. Our hope is to make the Saint Lucia chapter among the best in the region and to provide opportunities not just for our members but to women leaders and women who aspire to become leaders in their communities and in our politics.”
This was echoed by Dylis McDonald, CIWiL regional Project Coordinator. McDonald reminded of the demanding environment for women in leadership in the Caribbean and CIWiL’s continued commitment to support activism at the country level.
Minister of Gender Affairs, Hon Dr Virginia Albert-Poyotte offered her full support and encouragement to the national chapter during the AGM. The Honorable provided a brief overview of her career journey, inspiring and motivating all the members in attendance. During her talk, she courageously shared the barriers she faced as a female leader, especially in male-dominated workspaces. Despite being a symbol of hope for women in similar positions, the journey was not without its difficulties. She emphasized the importance of women in leadership positions supporting and being patient with one another, as they navigate obstacles and strive to effect change in challenging environments.
The AGM was also addressed by the Speaker of the Saint Lucia House of Assembly, Hon Claudius Francis who congratulated the new Executive and expressed his support for the organisation and its goals.