Since the inception of the Women’s Council on August 16, 2022, there continues to be encouragement for
our girls 18+ and over to join the group. This is a new era of Women having a direct influence on how
they can impact the spaces they occupy for greater development of girls, boys, the family, the community
and the Nation.
The purpose of the Council- “A Women’s network which provides a safe space for diverse
representation and inclusive participation of skills, sharing experiences, training, and new initiatives for
improvement.”
This is indicative of the efforts of the Union to ensure that its female membership is given the latitude to
develop through shared cooperation, and to further ensure that we affect our communities in a positive
and devoted way as we share our expertise in different disciplines.
To build forward the group’s purpose and in the same light strengthen our Women’s focus in areas where
they could support each other, we have engaged the sharing of knowledge and expertise of:
▪ Ms. Alexandrina Wong, Director of Women Against Rape; she spoke on Women’s Strength and
Togetherness and sharing our commonalities in building a stronger community.
▪ Our own Anderson Edgehill, Communications Officer presented on the Importance of
Communication.
▪ Ms. Jonelle Walsh, Clinical Psychologist- Understanding Mental Health- Taking Care of
Ourselves.
The Women’s Council planned the International Women’s Day 2023, with seven (7) stalls of professional
women in their creative fields. The event was advertised on our Facebook Page, yet the attendance even
by our own membership leaves much to be desired. We are yet to understand that our interest in our
Organization’s activities should span beyond negotiating a collective agreement or settling disputes,
which still today is the main focus of workers, although the Union has been building outward for the
further development of its membership.
Photo: Hazel Luke
The objectives of the Women’s Council are: (1) To make connections with other Networks where Women
are resolute in ensuring their voices are heard. (2) To provide a platform for continued training for women
and girls in various disciplines. (3) For Women in Business who need guidance
The Theme for the IUF Congress- Women’s Conference in June 2023 is “Women’s Voice Shake the
World”. If we are not seeking a partnership with each other to speak up on issues that affect the ability of
all Women of all Nations of this Planet to live as decent human beings, exercise our creativity, and share
our commonalities for legislative changes, then we are willfully denying our legitimate participation in
fruitful nation building.
UNI Global Union (Women) Theme 2023 is “Women Rising Together”. Women of every nation gather at
these sessions to make their voices heard for all women around the Globe.
Women of all walks of life in our membership in every workplace represented by our Union, and simply
women in our communities are welcomed to the activities hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Worker’s
Union Women’s Council. We have to play our role without being sidelined as political, because unless we
can build a social connection we are leaving others behind. According to statistics revealed at the IUF
Conference in June 2023, 65% of Women are represented in the Labour market, but the question is, as
voiced in the Congress by one of the Speakers: “Why is the greatest number being oppressed by the
minority?”.
▪ We have to work together to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence and harassment
▪ Make Women more visible in Occupational Health and Safety – Mental Health
▪ Look at Women’s employment that is seriously impactful on the Economy
▪ Building a more women-friendly working environment
▪ Making our Union stronger with greater Women participation.
So, even though women have risen in Education and Expertise they are locked in feminized jobs,
domestics, teacher, nurses, home-care givers, farm labourers etc., and the Executive roles are
masculinized. It is also understood that there is still wage (pay) gap existing globally between 20%- 39%
between the sexes.
There is the global concern of the ‘Unpaid Care Economy” which relates to householders who work long
hours in the homes caring for families without care and compassion for their health and wellbeing. While
this is a new subject fervently being tabled, it’s a discussion that our Women’s Council must entertain.
There is a maxim that was recited at the June 2023 IUF World Congress, the Women’s Conference that
echoes the need for Women to be more involved – “If you cannot see it, you cannot Be it”. If we are not
paying attention, or are aware, we cannot represent or provide solidarity for each other, it will result in
sweeping discrimination, violence, inequity, harassment etc., under the rug. It will demonstrate that we
are complicit in undermining real change and growth of our community and nation and it will remain
incased in our psyche, and our humanity remains unchecked—our compassion and mercy.
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union Women’s Council has a charge to ensure that we provide
Mentoring, Support, Comradery and to build a formidable network to improve the potential of girls and
women. WE must do something!
For all the Women who are standing with this idea, we are vanguards of a rich community, and we look
forward to all those who are on their way.
Women’s Council Chairperson
Sis, Hazel Luke
