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

Crowd cheering in front of the main stage at Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau during the World Creole Music Festival
MUSIC
Tolotra

World Creole Music Festival 2026: Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, and Dominican bouyon

Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, and Capleton will take the stage in Roseau, but Midnight Groovers, Asa Bantan, and Shelly & The Signal Band will also be there. The 2026 World Creole Music Festival poses a simple question for Dominica: What remains of our Creole identity when the festival goes global? From October 23 to 25, 2026, Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau will host three nights of music. The official lineup features forty acts. The theme of this yearโ€™s festival is โ€œPulsating Rhythms.โ€ But the event is more than just a list of names. Over the course of three nights, it brings together artists from abroad with those native to the island. Here is the program night by night, followed by what this lineup reveals. The complete lineup for the 2026 World Creole Music Festival Friday, October 23 Jamaican artist Capleton will kick things off. Heโ€™ll be joined by his compatriot Skillibeng,

Read More ยป
Dancers in yellow dresses and drummers on a square in Aruba during the Saint John's Day festival
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Tolotra

“Dera Gai” in Aruba: The buried rooster has become a gourd

โ€œDera Gaiโ€ translates to โ€œburying the rooster.โ€ However, in Aruba on June 24, the live rooster has disappeared from the ritual. A gourd has taken its place, and it is this gourd that blindfolded participants try to strike, to the rhythm of a band. This Saint Johnโ€™s Day celebration illustrates how an island preserves an ancient name while changing the ritual that accompanies it. What does โ€œDera Gaiโ€ mean in Papiamento? Papiamento is one of the official languages of Aruba and is also spoken in Curaรงao and Bonaire. The expression โ€œDera Gaiโ€ literally means โ€œto bury the rooster.โ€ It is sometimes written as โ€œDera Gay,โ€ a spelling that also appears in the islandโ€™s official cultural documents. The name describes the most spectacular part of the festivalโ€”the one that made it famous. It says nothing about the music, the dances, or the fireworks, which nevertheless make up the bulk of the

Read More ยป
Dancers and musicians on an open-air stage in front of a crowd in madras outfits, under white tents, in Saint Lucia
NEWS
Tolotra

Jounen Kwรฉyรฒl 2026: Can Saint Lucia Save the Kwรฉyรฒl Language for Its Children?

On September 30, at the Laborie market, Saint Lucia kicked off its Kwรฉyรฒl Heritage Month. Jounen Kwรฉyรฒl 2026 will take place on October 25 in three villages. But one issue looms large over the celebration: how to pass the language on to children. At the Laborie Market, a language speaks out On Wednesday, September 30, in the late afternoon, the Laborie Market will host the launch of the Mwa Ewitaj Kwรฉyรฒl. The event is organized by the Folk Research Centre (FRC), in partnership with the government and the Events Company of Saint Lucia. The program features folk dance and music. Monsignor Patrick Anthony, founder of the FRC, takes the floor. โ€œKwรฉyรฒl is our culture, kwรฉyรฒl is our identity, and every Saint Lucian should understand that if I donโ€™t know my language, Iโ€™m missing out on a lot about myself,โ€ he said (translation of remarks made in English). He adds that

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