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

Festival del Jรญbaro Comerieรฑo
EVENT MANAGEMENT
Tolotra

Festival del Jรญbaro Comerieรฑo: Puerto Rico’s mountain festival

Some 40 kilometers by road from San Juan, in the Cordillera Central, Comerรญo doesn’t have the visibility of Puerto Rico’s major coastal destinations. The town has fewer than 19,000 inhabitants according to the latest US estimates, but it has a strong nickname: la Cuna de Trovadores, the cradle of trovadores. Every June, this mountain town turns its reputation into a cultural event with the Festival del Jรญbaro Comerieรฑo. 2026 edition confirmed The Festival del Jรญbaro Comerieรฑo returns from June 12 to 14, 2026 for its 46th edition. This year’s event takes on a special significance, as Comerรญo also marks the 200th anniversary of its foundation. The 2025 edition of the Festival del Jรญbaro Comerieรฑo took place from June 12 to 15 in the Plaza de la Trova, with a program combining crafts, workshops, trovadores competitions, typical food, jรญbaras masses, concerts and meetings around the decima. The format may vary from

Read More ยป
KARULINK
COOPERATION
Tolotra

KARULINK: Guadeloupe wants to reweave the Caribbean’s shipping lanes

On June 2 and 3, 2026, public and economic players from Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis sat around the same table in Guadeloupe to work on a very concrete question: how can we better connect nearby islands, whose exchanges are still hampered by transport breaks? The first KARULINK steering committee is not yet launching new lines. It is setting up a method, partners and a timetable to examine the feasibility of regular maritime passenger services. A first COPIL to move from principle to method This meeting marks an important milestone for KARULINK, a European territorial cooperation project co-financed by the European Union as part of the INTERREG Caribbean 2021-2027 program. Discussions focused on three areas: feasibility studies for future maritime services, the development of more environmentally-friendly transport solutions, and prospects for economic and tourism cooperation between the partner territories. This framing is essential. There’s more

Read More ยป
Sonia Sotomayor
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Tolotra

Sonia Sotomayor: Puerto Rican, first Latina on the US Supreme Court

The Oath of a Bronx Kid On August 8, 2009, at the seat of the U.S. Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor raises her right hand and takes the oath of office. She became the third woman in U.S. history to sit on the Supreme Court, and the first Hispanic, the first Latina, to enter the institution. At that very moment, the child of Puerto Rican-born parents from the Bronx public housing project became one of the nine people charged with interpreting the U.S. Constitution. A Puerto Rican family in the Bronx Sonia Maria Sotomayor was born on June 25, 1954 in the South Bronx, New York. Her parents, Juan Sotomayor and Celina Bรกez, were both born in Puerto Rico and moved to the Americas after the Second World War. Juan worked in a tool factory. Celina, who had served in the Women’s Army Corps, became a nurse. The family lives in

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