The Directorate of Gender Affairs has congratulated Sheila Roseau following her election to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Roseau was elected by United Nations Member States to serve on the Committee, which monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Committee is made up of independent experts who review the progress of States Parties in meeting their obligations under the Convention.

Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, Jamie Saunders, said Roseau’s election reflects her years of service in advancing the rights of women and girls in Antigua and Barbuda and across the region.

“The Directorate of Gender Affairs congratulates Ms. Sheila Roseau on her election to the CEDAW Committee. Her appointment reflects decades of work in advancing the rights of women and girls in Antigua and Barbuda and internationally. We wish her success as she undertakes this responsibility.”

Roseau served as Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs for more than 20 years. During her tenure, she contributed to the development of policies, legislation and programmes addressing gender equality, gender-based violence, women’s leadership and other issues affecting women and girls.

The Directorate said her election provides Antigua and Barbuda with representation on an international body that oversees implementation of the Convention and ensures that Caribbean perspectives are reflected in discussions on gender equality.

Following her service with the Directorate, Roseau joined the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where she served as Director of the Sub-Regional Office for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. She later served as Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, based in Panama.

In 2011, Roseau received the Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award from then United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in recognition of her work to combat human trafficking and support legislative reform.

The Directorate of Gender Affairs said it looks forward to Roseau’s contribution to the work of the CEDAW Committee and extended its best wishes as she begins her term.