The Antigua and Barbuda Chapter of Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) has issued a call to action for increased female participation in politics, marking the International Day of Parliamentarism with a strong message of gratitude, urgency, and empowerment.

In a statement released on June 30, CIWiL Chair Marian Hesse-Merchant praised the women who have answered the call to public service, highlighting their role in shaping policy, strengthening democracy, and demonstrating the essence of leadership.

“Today, we extend heartfelt gratitude to the women who have courageously stepped into the chambers of Parliament with conviction, clarity, and purpose,” the message reads. “We honour their service and thank them for demonstrating what leadership truly means.”

However, the organization warned that women remain underrepresented in key decision-making spaces, despite making up more than half of the population. CIWiL cautioned that this imbalance limits the nation’s ability to harness its full potential.

“When the perspectives, experiences, and solutions that women bring are underrepresented, we govern with only half our wisdom, half our creativity, and half our potential,” the statement said.

The message appealed directly to women across all walks of life—from educators and entrepreneurs to mothers and community leaders—encouraging them to take on leadership roles and contribute to national progress.

“The challenges we face are too complex, too urgent, and too important to address without your full participation,” Hesse-Merchant urged. “Let this Parliamentarian Day be more than a celebration of our progress—it is a powerful call to action for the future.”

CIWiL’s remarks come amid ongoing regional and global discussions about gender equity in governance and leadership. The statement concluded with a rallying call for women in Antigua and Barbuda to harness their voices and commit to shaping the future through public service.