Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Gender and Child Affairs is leading Trinidad and Tobago’s delegation to the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), United Nations Headquarters, New York City, March 11 – 15, 2024.
In 1946, the CSW was established to promote the advancement of women throughout the world. It is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The CSW is the principal intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and is influential in shaping global standards.
At CSW68, governments, civil society organizations, experts and activists from across the world will come together to agree on actions and investments that can end women’s poverty and advance gender equality. The priority theme for CSW68 is “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”.
As head of the national delegation, Minister Webster-Roy will deliver a National Statement, participate in Ministerial Round Table discussions, attend high level meetings and several side events related to the care economy, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
In a release from the OPM, it said the delegation will report on the progress made in national development regarding the social, economic and political status of women and the efforts made to eliminate poverty from a gendered perspective.
It said the delegation will utilize this opportunity to engage in discussion on issues related to women’s economic empowerment, the improvement of the social safety net and public infrastructure and steps to advance gender-responsive budgeting for the purpose of enhancing local implementation.
The OPM said the Government affirms that women and girls are at the centre of national development.