The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) is set to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked challenges affecting women in the workplace and at home when it hosts its third annual Women’s Conference later this month.

Scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, the 2026 conference will be held under the theme “Women’s Empowerment & Mental Health: Mental Load, Burnout & Invisible Labour,” bringing together women from a wide range of professions for a day of discussion, education and empowerment.

The conference will focus on the mental and emotional pressures many women experience as they balance careers, caregiving responsibilities and household duties, responsibilities that often go unnoticed but can have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.

ABWU Training Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Women’s Council, Hazel Luke, said this year’s programme is intended to help participants identify the challenges they face while fostering a sense of unity and mutual support.

“Participants will be able to identify the areas that are impacting them individually, whether burnout, mental load or invisible labour,” Luke said.

She explained that the conference is not only about recognising these challenges but also about encouraging women to work together to develop support systems that strengthen rather than divide them.

“We will also explore how we as women can create support systems, so that the challenges we face individually do not divide us, but rather bring us together in solidarity and action.” she added.

Luke said the conference will also continue the union’s push for stronger workplace protections by advocating for meaningful mental health provisions to be included in collective bargaining agreements.

She noted that the initiative builds on progress made after last year’s conference, which led to the introduction of provisions addressing menstruation, maternity and menopause in labour agreements.

This year’s programme will feature presentations on women’s networking, an interactive panel discussion and practical sessions designed to provide participants with tools and strategies to better manage stress, prevent burnout and prioritise their mental wellbeing.

While attendance will primarily consist of invited participants from workplaces across Antigua and Barbuda, the ABWU said the issues being discussed affect women throughout society.

To ensure the conversation reaches a wider audience, the union plans to share key takeaways, expert advice and educational resources on its social media platforms before, during and after the conference.

The ABWU said it remains committed to championing the rights and wellbeing of workers, stressing that investing in women’s mental health is essential to creating healthier workplaces, stronger families and a more resilient nation.