INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025 | MESSAGE FROM DR CARLA BARNETT - CARICOM SECRETARY-GENERAL | 8 MARCH 2025

As a Community, we continue to proactively address persistent inequalities in political representation, the development of policies to decrease the burden of unpaid care, and the unique challenges faced by women in marginalised communities, including indigenous women, rural women and those living with disabilities. The intersectionality of gender and other forms of inequality must guide our actions, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

Notwithstanding the challenges, our women continue to make us proud. We celebrate the indomitable spirit, sterling accomplishments and remarkable contributions of our women and girls as they enrich our communities both in the Region and in the diaspora.

DR CARLA BARNETT - CARICOM SECRETARY-GENERAL

In this thirtieth year since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joins the global community in marking International Women's Day 2025, reflecting on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and our shared commitment to advance gender equality in our Region. The pursuit of gender equality is not only about fairness and justice; it is also a matter of national and regional development, and sustainable growth. Assessments consistently show that societies that empower women are more prosperous, peaceful and resilient.

Over the years, CARICOM Member States have made some progress towards the advancement of women and girls as primary agents of sustainable development. There are higher matriculation levels in secondary and tertiary education among girls and women, significant improvements in reproductive health outcomes, and the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and syphilis in six Member States. Women in the Caribbean have proven to be resilient and transformative leaders in government and grassroots activism. The Region also continues to build on the strides made as a world leader in the prevalence of women managers in business, as recognised in a 2018 study by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

We also acknowledge that significant challenges persist. Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue, and women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, violence and the impact of climate change. This is of critical concern, especially in Haiti where these challenges have been amplified by criminal gangs that have targeted women and girls in a context in which there are  inadequate resources to implement responses to protect and advance their welfare.

As a Community, we continue to proactively address persistent inequalities in political representation, the development of policies to decrease the burden of unpaid care, and the unique challenges faced by women in marginalised communities, including indigenous women, rural women and those living with disabilities. The intersectionality of gender and other forms of inequality must guide our actions, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

Notwithstanding the challenges, our women continue to make us proud. We celebrate the indomitable spirit, sterling accomplishments and remarkable contributions of our women and girls as they enrich our communities both in the Region and in the diaspora.

The responsibility of advancing gender equality does not lie exclusively with governments or international organisations. It is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of all in challenging gender stereotypes, fighting discrimination, and promoting equal opportunities.

On this International Women’s Day, and the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, let us redouble our efforts towards ensuring that gender equality is not only an aspiration, but a reality. The promise of the Beijing Declaration can be realised through bold, sustained action at community and national levels. Through advocacy for systemic change and collective action, we can continue to build a future where every woman can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.

Happy International Women’s Day!