Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Monday reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to transforming the promises of the Beijing Declaration into concrete progress for women and girls, as he addressed the High-level Meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing+30).
Browne underscored the national gains made since 1995, highlighting the rise of women, particularly young women, in leadership roles, higher female university graduation rates compared to men, pay-equity reforms, and stronger legal protections.
At the same time, he acknowledged the ongoing global challenge of gender-based violence and sexual offences, stressing that gender equity is essential not only to justice and development but also to the sustainability of families and communities, especially in small states confronting the harsh impacts of climate change.
“The Beijing Declaration is not a relic of the past—it is a living promise,” Browne said. “Antigua and Barbuda will stand firm, work harder, and speak louder—because the rights, dignity, and potential of women and girls must never again be negotiable.”
During his presentation, the Prime Minister outlined a number of national commitments, including accelerating the implementation of all Beijing commitments to move “from promise to action”; resourcing gender equality work even amid fiscal constraints to ensure sustained delivery; amplifying women’s leadership in climate action, finance, and peacebuilding while expanding pathways to decision-making across public life; and ensuring equal pay for equal work, protecting women from violence, and investing in health and education while opening doors to leadership at every level.
Prime Minister Browne called on the international community to act with urgency, courage, and a renewed spirit of commitment, emphasizing that no nation can reach its full potential when half its people are held back.
He urged Member States to recommit both resources and political will so that equity becomes equality, and every woman and girl can live free, lead boldly, and achieve her fullest potential.
Powerful words from Prime Minister Browne. It’s refreshing to see a leader from a small island state take such a strong stand on gender equality and women’s empowerment. His call to move from ‘promise to action’ is exactly what the world needs right now
As an Antiguan, I’m proud that our Prime Minister is representing us on the world stage, not just talking about climate change but also about gender equality. These are issues that affect us at home too, and it’s good to see them addressed. Big up PM. Ras Gassy our PM.
Strong legal protections are important, but Antigua and Barbuda, like many other countries, still has a lot of work to do to address violence against women. Until those systemic issues are fixed, speeches won’t be enough. So much needs to be changed.
PM Browne you on international stage and robberies theft and police killing in ur country. Return home and address ur people
While the speech sounds good, I wonder if all these promises will actually be implemented. Plenty time leaders speak big at international forums . We see datt everday but don’t follow through at the national level. So many i can point out from the previous budgets n them, The real test will be what changes women in Antigua and Barbuda actually see
Keep advocating
Words are great, but we need concrete policies and enforcement to make real change.
Gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s a human issue. Check and see how mch woman get beaten up in Antigua and other places around the Caribbean. Browne is right no nation can reach its full potential while half its population is held back. The international community needs to listen and act, especially when small states like Antigua and Barbuda are leading by example
PM Browne you on international stage and robberies theft and police killing in ur country. Return home and address ur people