Seventeen women hounoured for their contributions to national development ahead of International Women’s Day

On March1st, the Caribbean Union Bank (CUB) and the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) within the Ministry of Social & Urban Transformation honoured 17 women for their outstanding service to the nation of Antigua & Barbuda at the Women of Wadadli and Wa’Omoni Awards Gala.

This was the second installment of the award ceremony, the first having been held in 2020. The awards aim to specifically highlight women’s contributions to national development and promoting gender equality.

DoGA Executive Director, Jamie Saunders said “The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) sees the Women of Wadadli and Wa’Omoni (WOW) awards as a unique opportunity, to recognize and validate the contributions that women have made and continue to make as it relates to national development, across a variety of fields and sectors.

The WOW awards will remain a staple event for the DoGA, and we hope that it will inspire the women and girls of Antigua and Barbuda to continue to break barriers and to aspire to greatness”.

For the second time running, the Caribbean Union Bank sponsored the event. This year, they played an extra special role as title sponsor. 

In her address, Manager-Human Resources & Employee Engagement, Mrs. Brendale Josiah said, “Caribbean Union Bank is indeed honoured to be a part of the rich history of formidable women who lead with initiative and excellence in their respective fields.

Women who have pushed past the boundaries of mere dreams and words and have placed their feet on the pedal that drives their lives as they accelerated change. Whether it is through advocacy, sports, finance, or the arts, in the courtroom or the boardroom, as women, we continue to stake our claims, use our talents, and defy the odds”. 

The awards were distributed in three (3) categories. The Woman of Wadadli & Wa’Omoni Awards were presented to women of at least 30 years of age who have made exceptional contributions and impact in their specific field of interest and the empowerment of women and girls nationally.

The Minister of Gender Affairs Woman to Watch Award was given to a woman under age 30 making significant progress in her professional life, and the Dame Gwendolyn Tonge Lifetime Legacy Award was given to a woman over 55 years of age who has made significant contributions and impact to national development and the promotion of gender equality throughout her lifetime.

Ms. Ashlea Ambris, project officer, and coordinator of this year’s WOW said “The WOW Awards is a celebration of exceptional women who have significantly contributed and impacted their respective fields, contributing to the betterment of society.

Their dedication has advanced progress in critical areas, fostering equality and social change across the nation. We are honoured to acknowledge these inspiring individuals whose efforts are transforming communities and shaping a brighter future for all.”

The independent selection committee selected the following list of winners from a field of over 100 nominations.

2025 Women of Wadadli and Wa’Omoni Award Winners

Fine Arts – Veronica Yearwood

Minister of Gender Affairs Woman to Watch Award

Imani Sinclair

Dame Gwendolyn Tonge Lifetime Legacy Award

Ruth Spencer