Minister of State within the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Kiz Johnson, has reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to advancing women’s economic rights across the Caribbean during her participation in the Organisation of American States (OAS) Ministerial Luncheon in Washington, D.C.

Speaking during the high-level dialogue themed “Towards a CIM Agenda on Women’s Economic Rights in the Caribbean,” Johnson stressed that financial inclusion and economic empowerment remain essential pillars for the sustainable development of the region.

“Antigua and Barbuda believes that one of the essential keys to the sustainable development of the Caribbean is the financial inclusion and economic empowerment of women,” Johnson told delegates. “We also hold the view that this is not the obligation of one state or a group of states, it is the collective responsibility of all states.”

The Minister encouraged the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) to continue assisting member states in removing barriers that prevent women from accessing entrepreneurship opportunities, land ownership, higher education, and employment at all levels.

Johnson highlighted that while women in Antigua and Barbuda face relatively few barriers to entering the workforce, many remain concentrated in lower-paying and lower-ranking positions within the tourism and hospitality sectors, despite tourism being a major driver of the national economy.

She said the government has therefore placed increased focus on entrepreneurship, leadership opportunities, digital inclusion, and access to financing for women.

The Minister pointed to initiatives led by the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority and the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme, which she said have helped many women access opportunities for small business development and self-employment.

Johnson also used the forum to address the growing importance of recognizing the “care economy,” noting that many women continue to shoulder unpaid caregiving and domestic responsibilities while also participating in the workforce.

“Women who remain at home as full-time caregivers contribute enormously to national development, yet this work is rarely quantified or reflected within our economic systems,” she stated.

She further highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s Social Protection Act of 2020, which provides support measures including food assistance, school support, housing assistance, and other social programmes aimed at protecting vulnerable households.

Johnson called on regional governments and the Commission on Women to begin serious discussions on integrating unpaid care work into social protection systems and broader economic policy frameworks.

The Minister, who was also accompanied by President of the Senate Alincia Williams-Grant, has since returned to Antigua and Barbuda following the conclusion of the meetings in Washington, where regional leaders discussed strategies to create more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive economies throughout the Caribbean.