Dominica – Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL): Strengthening the place of women in political and economic decision-making in the Caribbean

Caribbean Women in Leadership

Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) is an organization that promotes the integration of women in decision-making spheres in the Caribbean. On March 20,ย aย new chapter has been officially launched in Dominica, marking a further milestone in this mission. This addition brings to ten the number of active national chapters, joining Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.

A necessary commitment to equal opportunity

Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) is based on a fundamental principle: to encourage greater participation by women in positions of governance. The organization sets up mentoring, training and support programs to help women gain access to positions of power.

Since its conceptualization in 1998, CIWiL has been working alongside political players, civil society and public institutions to ensure greater representation of women in decision-making bodies. The Dominica chapter is part of this dynamic, with the ambition of opening up new perspectives for women involved in the country’s public and economic life.

A management team with varied profiles

The new chapter of Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) in Dominica is led by an experienced team. Mandisa Ducreay-Oseni, recognized for her commitment to women’s and youth rights, has been appointed President. Joanne John-Baptiste Guiste a specialist in the maritime sector, is Vice-Chairwoman. Vernesta Newton an entrepreneur, is secretary and coordinator. Nichola James-Charles, air traffic controller, is in charge of treasury, while Julie Roberts also an entrepreneur, oversees public relations.

These varied profiles testify to the inclusive approach of Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL)ย inclusive approach and its desire to make the most of skills from different areas of expertise.

Caribbean Women in Leadership
Mandisa Ducreay-Oseni. Source : Caribbean Women in Leadership
Caribbean Women in Leadership
Joanne John-Baptiste Guiste. Source : Caribbean Women in Leadership
Caribbean Women in Leadership
Vernesta Newton. Source : Caribbean Women in Leadership
Caribbean Women in Leadership
Nichola James-Charles. Source : Caribbean Women in Leadership
Caribbean Women in Leadership
Julie Roberts. Source : Caribbean Women in Leadership

Concrete actions for women's leadership

Since its launch, the Dominica chapter has initiated a number of initiatives aimed at training and supporting women in their professional and political commitments. Among the first initiatives implemented:

  • Training workshops on public speaking, career management and understanding public policy.
  • A mentoring program linking experienced women with those wishing to become more involved in management positions.
  • Exchanges with local institutions to raise awareness of the importance of equitable representation of women in governance.

Thanks to these actions, Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) contributes to building women’s capacities and promoting their access to strategic positions.

A growing regional impact

New chapters in the Caribbean enable Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) expand its network and intensify its actions. Each member country benefits from support tailored to its specific political and social circumstances, while being part of a regional dynamic of transformation.

The organization also works with international institutions and civil society players to promote gender equality and encourage the adoption of inclusive public policies.

Why join Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL)?

The Dominica chapter invites women from all walks of life to get involved in its activities. By joining Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL). Through CIWiL, they gain access to an influential network, training resources and opportunities for personal and professional development.

The coming weeks will see the organization of events aimed at structuring the new chapter and mobilizing more women around this initiative.

A mission rooted in solid values

The work of Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) is based on clear principles:

  • Gender justice and equality : promote an equitable distribution of political and economic responsibilities.
  • Transparency and integrity : open and accessible governance.
  • Solidarity and commitment :ย  strengthen cooperation between women across the region.

With the launch of its 10แต‰ chapter, Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) continues its commitment to increasing the participation of women in Caribbean governance. This new base in Dominica strengthens an already influential network and paves the way for further advances in equal opportunities.

The involvement of women in decision-making bodies is an essential lever for the region’s development, and a key factor in its success. Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) works every day to make this goal a reality.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More articles from RK

Caribbean Cinema
FILM & VIDEO
Tolotra

S8/10 โ€“ Stories from Caribbean Cinema: Youth, Women, and New Pathways. Texts by Guillaume Robillard. Ciclic, 2026.

The history of Caribbean cinema now moves into the 2000s and 2010s. After seven installments and several decades of filmmaking, this eighth installment brings together three films from Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic, each exploring individual journeys that serve as gateways to broader social realities. *Nรจg Maron* explores the lives of urban youth in Guadeloupe. *La Hija Natural* follows a young woman who sets out to find her father in the Dominican Republic. *Le Bonheur dโ€™Elza* also tells the story of a family quest that takes its main character all the way to Guadeloupe. You are now on the eighth episode out of ten. The first seven are already available on Richรจs Karayib. After this one, there will be two more episodes to explore the most contemporary Caribbean cinema. 2005: GUADELOUPE – *NรˆG MARON*, BY JEAN-CLAUDE BARNY Nรจg Maron is the film of a generation. Starring two Guadeloupean dancehall stars,

Read More ยป
Portrait of Bob Andy, Jamaican singer and songwriter, in front of a green wall
MUSIC
Tolotra

“Bob Andy,” from Maxfield Park, made it into the UK Top 5 in 1970

Bob Andy, born Keith Anderson in Kingston in 1944, is one of Jamaica’s greatest songwriters. He wrote โ€œIโ€™ve Got to Go Back Homeโ€ in 1967, reached number five on the British charts in 1970 with Marcia Griffiths, and was awarded the Order of Distinction in 2006. His career, however, began on the streets. Bob Andy, a homeless child from Kingston As a child, Bob Andy had neither a stable home nor a real school. He would later describe himself as a runaway who was practically homeless, sleeping rough in Rockfort, Kingston. Placed in the Maxfield Park childrenโ€™s home, he taught himself to play the piano and sang in the choir at Kingston Parish Church.ย  This education, though he never earned a diploma, would remain a source of pride for him. It was in the choir that the young Keith Anderson befriended Tyrone Evans. Together, they formed a vocal group, the

Read More ยป
code noir
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Tolotra

Code Noir: 341 Years After 1685, Parliament Officially Repeals It

On October 20, 2026, the Senate passed the bill to repeal the Code Noir without amendment, by a vote of 320 in favor and none against. Parliament has thus completed its review of a bill sponsored by Guadeloupe Representative Max Mathiasin, 341 years after the edict of March 1685. All that remains is for the law to be enacted. “Code Noir”: A Vote with No Opposing Votes in the Senate On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, senators voted on the bill as adopted by the National Assembly on May 28. The vote resulted in 320 votes in favor, none against, and 18 abstentions, all from the Kanaky Communist, Republican, Citizen, and Ecologist Group. With no amendments, the bill is definitively adopted. Five amendments put to a public vote, introduced by the Socialist and Communist caucuses, were rejected. The text therefore remains identical to that of the Chamber of Deputies. The Senate

Read More ยป

conTACT RK

we'd love to have your feedback on your experience so far

Join The List

Join our Richรจs Karayib community! ย Sign up for our newsletter.

Want To Maximize Your Business Presence On Riches Karayib?

Complete the form to start the application