Prime Minister Browne Urges Renewed Action, Resources, and Leadership to Accelerate Gender Equality

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.