Prime Minister Browne wants to see more females in elective politics

By Aabigayle McIntosh.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda wants to see more females to enter the field of politics and become part of thriving political institutions.

He made the remarks in Parliament on Wednesday while commending the lone Female Member of Parliament Maria Bird Browne, one of a few males to be elected in Antigua and Barbuda.

“It is unacceptable that in the 21st century we only have one female Member of Parliament in the Lower House. We have tried our best in the Upper House to have some gender equity but, fundamentally we cannot have a situation in the country where half of the population are females and we only have one female MP,” Browne said.

He also admits that it is difficulty point to some cultural norms about female leadership.

“I want to encourage our people especially females to stand by and support each other”.

The Prime Minister insisted that there needs to be a shift in the mindset of some nationals as this has the potential to derail females from stepping up to the plate.

“Women make just as good leaders as men. All of us should be nurturing women in our respective constituency and even in our homes to become leaders. We can’t be treating our women as second class citizens,” Browne said.

He is hoping that by the next general elections more women will be inspired enter the arena.