Antigua and Barbuda has secured another significant leadership role within the United Nations following the election of veteran gender equality advocate Sheila Roseau to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Roseau was elected on Friday during the 24th Meeting of States Parties at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, earning the support of 185 member states. Her victory came in a highly competitive race, with approximately 20 candidates contesting just 12 available seats on the committee.

A former Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs in Antigua and Barbuda, Roseau has spent decades championing gender equality, human rights and sustainable development across the Caribbean, Africa and Latin America.

Her appointment to CEDAW places her among the experts responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women by member states. The committee also plays a critical role in strengthening global accountability for protecting and advancing the rights of women and girls.

Reacting to her election, Roseau described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.

“It is with profound honour and a deep sense of humility to have been elected by member states to serve as a member of CEDAW,” she said.

“My commitment to advancing the principles of the Convention have never wavered and with my election to the membership, I look forward to working closely with my fellow Committee members and States Parties to strengthen implementation of the Convention.”

The Antigua and Barbuda Permanent Mission to the United Nations played a key role in securing Roseau’s successful election. Government officials singled out Counsellor Glentis Thomas for coordinating the diplomatic engagement that supported her candidacy throughout the campaign.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Walton Webson, welcomed the outcome, describing Roseau as a dedicated professional whose contributions have already benefited the country.

“I too am truly pleased by this recognition for Ms. Roseau. She was a major and committed figure in our coordination of the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda and I have no doubt she will serve CEDAW well with the same enthusiasm and zeal,” Ambassador Webson said.

He added that Roseau’s election reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s continued commitment to multilateral cooperation and the promotion of human rights on the global stage.

Roseau’s appointment represents another diplomatic achievement for Antigua and Barbuda and gives the twin-island nation representation on one of the United Nations’ foremost human rights treaty bodies focused on advancing equality and protecting the rights of women around the world.