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GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN An inter-parliamentary meeting for the Anglophone AUTHOR DESIGN & LAYOUT PHOTOGRAPHY EILISH ELLIOTT LISA TEMES BILL MORTLEY TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 Acknowledgements

5 Message from the President of ParlAmericas

6 Message from the President of the Group of Women Parliamentarians

7 About ParlAmericas and its gender equality work

9 About the problem

9 What is gender-based political harassment?

10 What makes it a gender issue?

12 About the meeting

12 Opening remarks

13 Caribbean perspectives on political harassment

16 Obstacles to gender-sensitive parliaments

24 Media representations of women politicians

27 Political and legal frameworks

30 Empowering parliamentarians through research

33 Developing work plans

34 Closing

35 Participants

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ParlAmericas extends its appreciation to the (Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership) of for hosting this meeting, and Yasmin Solitahe Odlum (Inter-American and in particular to Speaker of the Commission of Women at the Organization of Peter Foster, for supporting the initiative. The American States) for sharing insight and specialised outstanding parliamentary staff and providers in Saint knowledge. We also thank Anne-Marie DeLorey who Lucia furthermore ensured the meeting’s success. served as facilitator to the working sessions. We express our thanks to all of the meeting’s Based out of the ParlAmericas Secretariat in delegates for their invaluable contributions, as well , research interns Caitlyn Hyndman and as to subject experts Gabrielle Hosein (Institute of Eilish Elliott provided essential input and assessment Gender and Development Studies at the University of the meeting’s outcomes. Finally, ParlAmericas of the ), Tonni Brodber (UN Women gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Multi-Country Office — Caribbean), UnaMay Gordon Global Affairs .

4 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF PARLAMERICAS

Dear colleagues, must respond to this problem forcefully; employing a number of tools simultaneously Political harassment is a topic of fundamental to generate awareness about the urgent need importance to ParlAmericas. The deep to eradicate political harassment and violence commitment of our membership to tackling against women, and to achieve the larger goal of this issue was demonstrated once again through gender equality. the work and conversations that took place I urge everyone to share the progress and during the meeting in , Saint Lucia, on initiatives that arise from this meeting, and January 26 and 27, 2016. to spread the commitment to taking concrete The results of the discussions of the measures, using the action plan and the meeting are important additions to ensure solutions you developed collectively as a guide. the success of the Plan of Action to Prevent Harassment and Political Violence against Cordially, Women, which was initially developed during the last annual gathering of the Group of Marcela Guerra Women Parliamentarians of ParlAmericas in Marcela Guerra Termas de Rio Hondo, . Senator, Both events have made it clear that we President, ParlAmericas

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 5 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE GROUP OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS

Dear colleagues, I encourage you to circulate this report within your networks and invite stakeholders On behalf of the Group of Women to become involved in our upcoming projects. Parliamentarians, thank you for having Together we will continue to expose the contributed your voice and experience to the magnitude of this problem and put into action ParlAmericas meeting Gender-based Political our collective determination to respond to it. Harassment: Building Awareness in Parliaments I look forward to the continued growth of this convened in Saint Lucia. Our perspectives ParlAmericas initiative and to witnessing the as parliamentarians regarding the dynamics changes uniting our voices can bring about in at play enabling this violation of women’s the parliaments of our hemisphere and across political and human rights are essential to the the entire . development of effective tools to combat it. Your conclusions and the consensus reached Best wishes, among neighbour countries at this meeting will guide ParlAmericas’ ongoing work in the Gina Godoy Caribbean to raise awareness, coordinate work Gina Godoy with partner institutions, and secure practical Member of the National Assembly of commitments to eliminate gender-based President of the Group of Women political harassment. Parliamentarians of ParlAmericas

6 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS ABOUT PARLAMERICAS AND ITS GENDER EQUALITY WORK

ParlAmericas is the network of the national ParlAmericas in 2003, and since then has organized of the member states of the Organization numerous initiatives to promote women’s political of American States (OAS). Headquartered in Ottawa, empowerment and the application of a gender lens to Canada, it serves as an independent forum for the legislative agenda of member parliaments. parliamentarians of the and the Caribbean Gender-based political harassment surfaced as a dedicated to cooperative political dialogue and top concern in the strategic planning session held at participation in the inter-American system. Since the Group’s 2014 annual gathering and has become 2001, ParlAmericas has created a supportive an important advocacy .1 The topic was central professional community for parliamentarians through to the following ’s gathering in Argentina, titled regional forums, training opportunities, year-round Action Plan for Preventing Political Harassment and discussions, and follow-up actions. Our network is Violence Against Women. The Group also launched an a space to share experiences and best practices on interactive project to share the personal experiences gender equality, legislative transparency and other and viewpoints of parliamentarians throughout the issues of hemispheric concern, and to strengthen region on this issue. ParlAmericas has emerged as a the ties between member countries through leader in building understanding about gender-based parliamentary diplomacy. political harassment and is part of a growing global ParlAmericas is managed by parliamentarians network working to address the problem. for parliamentarians, with a Board of Directors representing member legislatures from North, 1 In 2011, ParlAmericas (then known as FIPA) began its work addressing Central, and and the Caribbean. gender-based political harassment. At the annual gathering of the Group of The Group of Women Parliamentarians Women Parliamentarians, delegates issued a solidarity manifesto stating “We denounce and condemn all political, physical and psychological violence against was established as a permanent body within our Haitian women parliamentary colleagues.”

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 7 Mapping gender-based political harassment: Parliamentarians speak out

In 2016, ParlAmericas launched a video project called “Mapping gender- based political harassment: Parliamentarians speak out.” This interactive map features the testimonies of parliamentarians from across the Americas and Caribbean on the topic of political harassment. ParlAmericas will continue adding videos to this map on an ongoing basis in order to illustrate the magnitude of the problem in our hemisphere and the shared objective of political actors fighting against it.

8 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM

What is gender-based political committed by one person or a group of persons, harassment? directly or through third parties, against women who are candidates, elected, designated or exercising a Gender-based political harassment is intimidation, public/political role or against their families, with coercion or violence targeting women and other the purpose of reducing, suspending, preventing or marginalized groups for their activity in political restricting the function inherent to their positions, and public life, in ways that exacerbate gendered to induce or oblige them to carry out, against their discrimination. In parliamentary politics, this can will, an act or omission in the performance of their manifest as sexist language on the floor of legislatures, functions or in the exercise of their rights.” biased media coverage undermining women’s leadership, pressure to renounce elected office, or physical assault, among others. Acts of political IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATE  harassment reinforce traditional gender roles and “When people hear political harassment male-dominated decision making spaces, creating generally they might think of something a hostile environment that can deter women from physical or something sexual, but the political engagements. undertones, or overtones [of ] … ‘Why would ’s groundbreaking Law against Political you want to get involved in that? Why don’t Harassment and Violence against Women (No. you go take care of your husband? Why don’t 243), which was passed in May 2012 and has served as you go take care of your children?’ … All of a legislative model for other countries in the Americas that impacts your decision making in terms of region, defines political harassment as “an act or set going forward.” of acts of pressure, persecution, harassment or threats

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 9 discrimination politically motivated sexual harassment tokenized coercion "the cost of doing politics"traditional gender roles violence social media abuse femicide pressure to resign silencing slander undermining competence restrict political participation leadership ceiling "boy's club" undermining women's leadership hostile working environment lack of resources intimidation threats reinforce status quo derogatory images scrutinize appearance backlash harassment sexist remarks psychological abuse sexism gender-based media bias physical assault stereotyping systemic aggression caregiving expectations

What makes it a gender issue? As participants discussed throughout the of the University of West Indies). Intersections ParlAmericas meeting, parliamentary politics is with other forms of discrimination are also As detailed in #NotTheCost: Stopping Violence a space traditionally created and filled by men important to consider. Against Women in Politics, a call to action from privileged socioeconomic backgrounds. published by the National Democratic Institute This means it is often more accommodating to IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATE  (NDI), political harassment and violence can the participation of this group of individuals “We have to look back at the culture that be experienced by both men and women, but over others. While women may be most defines us as individuals. We grew up in it often takes on three unique characteristics commonly affected by gender-based political societies where the culture is that it’s the when experienced by women: “it targets harassment, stereotypes or assumptions about man that’s in charge of everything and women because of their gender; in its very form masculinity can also negatively impact the is needed, where really and truly that is it can be gendered, as exemplified by sexist political landscape, as discussed during the just a cover to the fact that women must threats and sexual violence; and its impact is to ParlAmericas meeting by Dr. Gabrielle Hosein take the back seat.” discourage women in particular from being or (Institute of Gender and Development Studies becoming politically active.”

10 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS “The boxing ring [of parliamentary politics] has been established between largely specific kinds of people over long, long periods of time. And when other people come in, they demand a different kind or sets of ethics, ways of speaking, or ways of looking at how everyone now feels in the room. And a challenge is re-thinking the room … Some things become gendered issues of political harassment particularly because they cause more damage to women’s lives than men’s lives. What might be just neutral life for some people, [for others] is lived in ways that reflect the hypocrisies and different demands on respectability and so on for women ... It’s lived by everybody but lived in different ways. Often in ways that make women feel more personally and sexually vulnerable.”

DR. GABRIELLE HOSEIN (UWI)

“We are consistently working toward a shared understanding, an equitable and comfortable space for both men and women.”

TONNI BRODBER (UN WOMEN)

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 11 ABOUT THE MEETING

From January 26 to 27, Opening remarks “We must be mindful that gender 2016, former and sitting equality requires much more The meeting began with words parliamentarians from more than than the presence of women of welcome by President of the 10 countries across the Caribbean in parliament. It depends of Saint Lucia Claudius and from Canada convened in on the parliament’s gender James Francis; Minister of Health, Castries, Saint Lucia, to discuss sensitivity and awareness, Wellness, Human Services and experiences with and strategies and its policies and structures. Gender Relations of Saint Lucia to overcome the problem of Consequently parliaments have Alvina Reynolds; Senator of gender-based political harassment. an important responsibility to Mexico Marcela Guerra (President Delegates were joined by subject raise awareness and address this of ParlAmericas, via video); and matter experts from regional problem of political harassment. Speaker of the House of Assembly and international organizations, Traditional roles, gender roles, of Saint Lucia Peter Foster namely, UN Women, the Inter- must be seriously challenged (ParlAmericas board member). American Commission of Women … and legislators, both men (CIM) at the OAS, the Caribbean “The men at the forefront of and women, must lead in the Institute of Women in Leadership our parliaments must be allies promotion of gender equality. (CIWiL), and the University of the in these noble and honourable We therefore welcome this West Indies (UWI). endeavours and must be focused initiative and look forward on … promoting women’s equal to the support of the Group of voice and representation in Women Parliamentarians and parliament and the decision ParlAmericas as we move this making that affects our citizens.” process forward.”

SPEAKER PETER FOSTER MINISTER ALVINA REYNOLDS

12 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS Caribbean perspectives on their organization’s work to combat political greater citizen and parliamentarian advocacy political harassment harassment and advance gender equality, the than in the Caribbean. However, Senator necessity of this work in Caribbean countries, Sandiford-Garner emphasized a renewed local The first session featured a panel on the and the primary obstacles and prospects for recognition of the problem in the wake of conceptualization of the problem and achieving progress. previous spots of activism on the topic. Recent recent trends in the Caribbean subregion of Senator Sandiford-Garner spoke first of debate has heightened awareness, as seen in harassment against women in politics. The the CIM’s work to secure, protect and promote the discourse sparked by prominent women speakers included Senator Irene Sandiford- women’s civil and political rights, a core parliamentarians in the Caribbean like Loretta Garner presenting on behalf of Yasmin component of which has involved programming Butler-Turner, among others. Solitahe Odlum, Coordinator for the on political violence against women. Senator “Today, in the Caribbean, we are breaking the Caribbean at CIM;2 Tonni Brodber, Deputy Sandiford-Garner stated, “Political violence silence on gender-based political violence and Representative of UN Women — Caribbean; is an expression of discrimination against harassment in anticipation of a new political and UnaMay Gordon, coordinator of CIWiL. women on the road to power … in government culture and a reconfigured public space based The parliamentarian delegates had the institutions, in polling booths, in political on real parity. Ultimately, nothing less than opportunity to hear each of them speak about parties, social organisations and in trade unions, fierce political will—and ferocious watchdogs— and through the media.” In response, the will ensure women’s rights as citizens in their CIM has focused on building the institutional private, public and political lives.” capacity of political and electoral authorities to prevent the phenomenon’s occurrence. This DELIVERED BY SENATOR IRENE SANDIFORD- GARNER, ON BEHALF OF YASMIN SOLITAHE involves identifying prominent challenges and ODLUM (CIM) appropriate policy responses through dialogue, legal and legislative reviews, and engagement 2 As Ms. Odlum’s travel was delayed due to weather conditions, with experts. Senator Sandiford-Garner presented on her behalf, in her capacity as Like ParlAmericas, the work of the CIM ’ Principal Delegate to the CIM.

is hemispheric in scope, though there has 3 To learn more, see “Gender and political violence in : Concepts, debates and solutions” by Mona Lena Krook and Juliana thus far been more engagement on this Restrepo Sanín (in Política y gobierno, Vol. XXIII No. 1, I Semester 2016, issue in Latin America3 where there has been pp. 125-157).

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 13 In her presentation, Ms. Brodber echoed Ms. Brodber outlined political, legal and support for women running political the concern that gender inequality is deeply legislative instruments that exist nationally campaigns. Collective action, education, engrained in culture. She stressed that and internationally to help create safer spaces and cross party dialogue were emphasized as historical differences have led to power for women’s participation in public affairs. vital to the goal of increasing the number of imbalances between present day social These included agreements like the Sustainable women in politics and other decision making groups now reflected in institutions including Development Goals and the Convention on spaces. After providing a number of recent parliament and political parties. To overcome the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination examples of disrespect and harassment in this inequality, we must de-normalize Against Women (CEDAW), national legislation the Caribbean subregion—especially in the structural violence, build trust, recognize and on political participation, codes of conduct form of gendered verbal attacks on the floor understand our privilege and channel this into for political parties and the media, and of parliament—she reflected on trends; for a shared understanding of the situations of mentorship programs. In addition to the UN example, the biased interpretation of women’s different individuals. From there, it is possible housing some of these initiatives, UN Women leadership based on gendered stereotyping of to create comfortable spaces for engagement. further supports parliaments in contributing women as overly emotional or sensitive for to the fulfilment of these agreements through the “rough and tough” political realm. One of “And I do understand the trouble for many in the provision of technical assistance and her recommendations for engendering social our region, because if a fish looks to another resources for legislators. Regardless of the change was the need to recognize emotion as fish and says, ‘How is the water today?’ And solution pursued, Ms. Brodber emphasized strength. the [other] fish says, ‘What do you mean the the need to adapt to the cultural context and While Ms. Gordon drew attention to water? This is just what we’re in.’ It becomes consider the capacity for implementation and social media as a new space where harassment difficult to understand the challenges. And we accountability. occurs, she also stressed its “now” power and need to know the water that we’re swimming In her remarks, Ms. Gordon shared urged participants to use these platforms in, in the Caribbean. So where does it end and CIWiL’s mission of advancing women’s to call attention to issues of harassment where does it begin? I think it begins with transformational leadership across the and inequality. Ms. Gordon reiterated her listening.” Caribbean through engagement with local fellow presenters’ calls for codes of conduct TONNI BRODBER (UN WOMEN) organizations and the provision of direct and mentorship programs to create more

14 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS accommodating spaces for political followed the panellists’ remarks, engagement. She referenced family and youth was another CIWiL’s successful “Boot Camp” recurring topic of interest; programs and “Ready to Run” participants noted the importance guides in different Caribbean of immediate responses alongside countries that empower women to sustained investment in early participate in politics. education for gender equality to improve the situation for future “It is felt across the region that generations. women should wait their turn Participants also discussed until there is really nobody else … how many incidences clearly [As seen recently] it was felt that, falling on the spectrum of gender- ‘there’s a man there, so where are based political harassment are you going?’ And you’re also asked either disregarded entirely to step down and wait your turn. or perceived as insignificant. ‘Wait it out and let’s see what Research on the long-term happens in the next round’.” consequences of political

UNAMAY GORDON (CIWiL) harassment was identified as a necessary tool to alter perceptions

Each of the panellists stressed on the significance of the issue. IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATE  the dual nature of political parties Overall, the session served “I know now that there are regional and as key areas where gender- as an informative, thought- international organizations available based political harassment is provoking introduction to candid to offer support to MPs who are perpetrated, and also essential and dynamic conversations on concerned about gender-based political sites for implementing solutions. gender-based political harassment harassment.” In the plenary discussion that from a parliamentary standpoint.

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 15 Obstacles to gender-sensitive the challenges facing women in politics, due to parliaments the lack of support structures and the need to manage family obligations. During the next session, participants linked She gave examples from her time as a gender-based political harassment to the member of the House of Assembly, where at parliamentary precinct as a workplace. times she was thought of first as a woman and Former parliamentarians Ms. Jeannine only second as a parliamentarian. Gendered Compton-Antoine (Saint Lucia), Honourable expectations came into play, for instance, Jean Augustine (Canada), Dr. Rosemarie during a period when she spoke out critically Husbands-Mathurin (Saint Lucia), and Dame in budget and policy debates and was harshly (Barbados) shared personal criticized by her peers, whereas “other persons reflections, struggles, and techniques who were making no contributions of substance employed to overcome gender discrimination were patted on the back.” She was furthermore encountered in their political careers. Their criticized for wearing the same dark suit twice anecdotes illustrated a variety of ways (at a time when women were not permitted to parliamentary infrastructure, practices, and wear pants in the ).4 culture can restrict women's efficacy in their roles as members of legislatures. Importantly, “A man can come and wear the same suit for they left the other delegates with strategies the entire time he’s in parliament … For my that were both practical and inspirational. third budget, I wore the same suit as I wore Ms. Compton-Antoine opened by in my first budget. And the comment was, ‘do explaining that even though she was born into you see that she’s wearing the same suit?’ Not a political family — her father was Saint Lucia’s on the content of what I said in the house.”

first prime minister and served in this role on MS. JEANNINE COMPTON-ANTOINE three occasions — she was acutely aware of

4 Compare this to a mayor in Canada who wore the same suit for 15 months to all public events and council meetings without anyone noticing. He did this to highlight the double standards faced by women politicians.

16 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS On another occasion, following concerns by extension a more diverse and effective Hon. Augustine explained that the design over the nature of insults hurled during legislative branch. of the seats meant many women could not debates, Ms. Compton-Antoine was invited to Hon. Augustine then discussed the reach the floor without a stool; unlike the a meeting of the wives of parliamentarians to situation in the context of Canadian politics, men’s facilities, women’s washrooms were discuss this troubling parliamentary conduct. highlighting recent cases of harassment located far away from the chamber so they had Yet she was not asked to take part in any and online death threats directed at women to miss longer amounts of time during sessions; gathering with other parliamentarians that premiers. There exists a need for greater and since microphones were not used, women might have prompted change in this area. documentation and access to information about who did not have booming voices that carried She strongly advocates for codes of instances of harassment, she said. were viewed as weak. Sitting hours were also conduct to govern political engagements, She then turned the conversation to the problematic, as sessions could begin as early stressing a systematic approach to orientations physical elements of the building that made as 7:30 am and continue late into the evening, and ongoing trainings to ensure politicians the Canadian parliament a less than ideal which caused greater challenges for women are aware of expectations around acceptable workplace for women when she entered in 1993, balancing caregiving responsibilities. behaviour. This will help transform political becoming the first black woman elected to the To address these barriers to women’s parties and parliament into a more respectful House of Commons. “The participation, Hon. Augustine and her women environment for voicing concerns, and was built by men to do men’s work,” she said. colleagues established a women’s caucus,

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 17 which she chaired. They were an ongoing debate in Canada teased for discussing these issues about making parliament more but their efforts led to a number of accessible to its members. improvements in parliament as a As a former Speaker of the workplace for women. House of Assembly of Saint Lucia (and former President of the “If we are talking about gender Senate), Dr. Rosemarie Husbands- equality, we need to look at Mathurin spoke about the unique structures, procedures, how perspective this position afforded we do business, and all of the her to witness the gendered symbols in Canadian society.” discrimination occurring on the

HON. JEAN AUGUSTINE floor of parliament. From this vantage point she noticed the Despite the changes that have change in behaviour of fellow been made, Hon. Augustine shared parliamentarians when women that discussions continue today on spoke. “When a woman took up how to make the infrastructure of the floor, the men were reading parliament more conducive to life newspapers, the men were having outside of politics. The behavioural private conversations with each standards and professionalism other,” she said. She also shared demanded in other spaces and a story of the governing party sectors must also be applied to putting forward a bill that was the political realm. “Isn’t it time unable to pass because the House to make political life more like lacked quorum. Rather than real life?” she said, paraphrasing reprimanding the government a recent news article that reflects members who were absent, the

18 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS woman parliamentarian who abstained from being reprimanded by the Speaker for your voting on the bill was criticized. actions, and she noticed there were fewer Similarly, Dr. Husbands-Mathurin was disruptions in the during women’s continually discredited by her colleagues interventions. “I have got my authority and questioned on how she had obtained established, but in a quiet way,” she said, the position of Speaker, in ways she felt a recognizing how, in order to succeed in their man would not have been.5 She was called professions, women must often devise tactics a “political operative for the government,” to assert their leadership in ways that are not despite serving in the Senate as an independent seen as too direct or forceful to men. member before being appointed Speaker. Finally, Dame Miller, former deputy prime Dr. Husbands-Mathurin was also frequently minister of Barbados, shared various lessons challenged on the decisions she made in her from her distinguished career in parliament. role, and she found that disruptive members of She began with her first campaign, which was parliament would simply ignore her when she a by-election and featured the largest crowds called for order. at speeches that she has encountered. Dame To overcome the consequences of such Miller said that, at some meetings, she would attitudes, Dr. Husbands-Mathurin developed have bottles thrown at her and would have her own mechanisms for maintaining order to duck out of the way, only continuing with itself, and embraced the nickname “Billie Goat” effectively. When she noticed someone who her speech once this had ceased. She also told in her campaign. She believes it was the way was not paying attention to the remarks of a delegates that, predictably, because of her she handled these types of incidents that led colleague, regardless of their respective party name, someone walked up and down the street political opponents to be very cautious about associations, she would write a note asking one day during the campaign with a goat, attacking her. them to change their behaviour and have the making reference to how it would be a “Billie Sergeant at Arms deliver it to the individual Goat” representing them in parliament if she 5 Similarly, one of the young parliamentarians in attendance related directly. Soon, parliamentarians began to were elected. At her next campaign event, she how she constantly faces assumptions that “she probably slept with all recognize that being delivered a note meant turned what was intended as an insult back on the men to get where she is.”

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 19 “I always go to the dictionary, let me start there ... I went to the dictionary and I discovered that ‘harassment’ comes from the French word meaning ‘to set the dog on’ … And there were many references to ‘dog’ in our earlier session. It came back to me, this definition. In my case, it was not the dog, it was the goat, even before I got to parliament.”

DAME BILLIE MILLER

After winning the election, Dame Miller became the third woman to sit in the Parliament of Barbados, and was the only woman at the time. She said that she often wished that there was greater representation of women, with reference to a time in particular when her party was government and was advancing a suite of legislation and social characterizing them as “things that make of higher influence where they can affect policies to which she wished other women life unnecessarily difficult for women when changes in broader terms. Regardless of their could have their voices. It was 18 they come into parliament.” She noted that positioning in parliament, however, Dame before she saw two other women—both of real progress was made in her legislature once Miller encouraged the women delegates whom she had mentored—take their seats in she became Leader of the House and was in attendance to become well versed in all the legislature. able to decide upon parliamentary business aspects of parliamentary procedures and Dame Miller mentioned infrastructure such as sitting hours. This demonstrated the information. She said that this would put limitations when she was first elected importance not only of women’s presence in them at an advantage, as many members are similar to those raised by Hon. Augustine, parliament, but their ability to reach positions not familiar with the underutilized avenues

20 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS transcend partisan politics,” she said, “and this can lead to future opportunities, such as a seat on the front bench, committee membership or a chair position.” Establishing connections with NGOs and social movements connected to the issue can provide further support. Dame Miller emphasized the broader point that “female aspirants need to learn the politics within the politics of the political parties” in order to make the game work for them. She explained how she carefully studied things like electorate boundaries to be strategic in campaigning. As five opposition strongholds surrounded her constituency, she first worked to secure her borders and then moved inwards, whereas other candidates unnecessarily canvassed at places that were not actually they may pursue to introduce issues of can eventually contribute to higher standing part of their constituency. Having a solid plan importance to them. within it. She also encouraged women to for your constituency after election is also Dame Miller then continued with further make themselves an authority on a specific important, she said, as it informs your actions strategies for moving forward as she shared issue; in her case, Dame Miller noticed other as a parliamentarian. her approach to campaigning. Building candidates were not addressing health in their All of the speakers in this session “constituencies of interest,” she said, is of platforms so she made that her issue. This led commented that progress has been made key importance for success in politics. She to being offered a cabinet position since she in addressing gendered discrimination indicated this is crucial for women because it had gained specialized experience her fellow and political harassment in parliamentary elevates their profile and value to the party and parliamentarians lacked. “Many issues will affairs, but ultimately concluded that there

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 21 is still much to be done. Each echoed Ms. further addressed aspects of politics and and policies to better represent and respond Compton-Antoine’s call for training for campaigning that deter women from running to women’s concerns. However, some also all parliamentarians, and emphasized the for election in the first place, such as the cautioned against conflating sex and gender; not importance of supporting other women process of securing a nomination from the all women will necessarily analyse legislation candidates and parliamentarians to bring about party executive, raising adequate financial and budgets from a gender perspective, nor greater change. “The more women who come support, facing disapproval from family will all men necessarily lack a gender lens. to parliament, the more women … will come,” members,6 and the likelihood of negative As a result, participants stressed that gender Dame Miller affirmed. These topics were media attention. Cross-party collaboration sensitivity training should remain a priority in similarly the focus of much of the question and and media sensitization were identified as all parliaments and for all parliamentarians. answer period that followed the presentations. important means for overcoming these barriers in more systemic ways. Where national-level IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATE  “Parliament is usually not considered a support was lacking, drawing on resources like “A man can get away with anything, workplace for women, which it should be. It’s ParlAmericas that foster regional solidarity dressing anyhow, but for the women it’s considered a place where we have to go fight for networks was seen as another important path so much more. And so we need support equality. There should be no fight. Unless we to positive transformations. and we must form those allies.” get rid of that, where we … have to be fighting, then we will not be making enough progress.” “How is the budget addressing gender? Where

UNAMAY GORDON (CIWiL) are women harmed in these sorts of things?”

DR. ROSEMARIE HUSBANDS-MATHURIN Throughout the discussion period, delegates brought up additional methods Participants also discussed the idea 6 According to a study titled The Female Political Career published by for improving the gender sensitivity of of reaching a “critical mass” of women in the Women in Parliaments (WIP) Global Forum in conjunction with parliamentary infrastructure, particularly parliament (generally considered to be 30%) The World Bank, “Overwhelmingly, women who ran [for office] were those with supportive families. More men than women felt they could emphasizing gender-based analysis of as a larger number of women can have a manage without strong family support which, one might say, left a large legislation and budgets. These exchanges significant impact on changing conversations pool of male candidates standing after their families ‘voted’ ” (page 20).

22 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS WHAT CAN PARLIAMENTS DO TO BECOME MORE GENDER-SENSITIVE WORKPLACES?

Facilitate a work-family balance such as accepting as a for new women parliamentarians, • Rearrange their sitting hours (e.g. by legitimate reason for missing a sitting pairing women with experienced establishing compressed sitting weeks, day, in addition to that of “official parliamentarians (men or women) creating schedules that start early, business.” or presentations by senior women parliamentarians on strategies to cope avoiding late voting, and aligning sitting • Give parliamentarians who are still in the parliamentary environment. times with the school calendar) so that breastfeeding the opportunity to use a parliamentarians can return to their proxy vote or vote pairing so that they Provide equitable resources and facilities electorates and spend more time with need not attend the sitting. • Conduct a gender assessment their families. Foster a work culture free of of the facilities provided to all • Allocate space in the parliamentary discrimination and harassment parliamentarians. building for a childcare centre and a • Conduct a gender-based analysis of • Ensure that allowances and family room so that parliamentarians parliamentary rituals, dress codes, parliamentary travel entitlements can be close to their children during forms of address and commonly used are provided to parliamentarians sittings. language, conventions and rules. equitably and transparently and that • Ensure that parliamentarians—both men parliamentary delegations are gender- • Provide gender-awareness training and women—are entitled to parental balanced, when possible. seminars for all members of parliament leave on the birth of their children. and ensure that induction for new Adapted from the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Plan of • Consider alternatives where long-term members is gender-sensitive. This Action for Gender-sensitive Parliaments, action area 4 “Institute or improve gender-sensitive infrastructure parental leave cannot be implemented, could take the form of mentoring and parliamentary culture” p. 24-25

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 23 Media representations of women politicians in particular, is harmful women politicians and unnecessary. It perpetuates negative stereotypes and contributes to an environment Women politicians are frequently the subjects that can restrict women’s political of negative, and at times slanderous, media participation. More often than not, as one of attention relying on gender biases that shape the delegates pointed out, men fail to speak public opinion about women’s competence out and challenge attacks against women; for in public leadership roles. Delegates at the example in the case of abuse through social meeting spoke of the detrimental impact media, their silence as bystanders can serve to this has had not only on them, but also on justify the behaviour. their families. Media coverage was frequently identified over the course of the meeting as a “We have to visualize and vocalize the major deterrent to women considering entering harassment, because sometimes when silence or continuing careers in politics. The media is an option and we choose that option we also can simultaneously be an important tool for participate in the harassment. So call it out.” women politicians to gain political capital and UNAMAY GORDON (CIWiL) of sensational reporting. This training could be communicate their ideas and opinions to their offered by NGOs and could include politicians constituents. Social media furthermore allows To move towards an exchange of promising sharing stories of the impact media has had women in politics to directly control and time practices, the delegates participated in a series on their lives. This should also extend to the their messaging. of roundtable discussions and then shared media’s analysis of legislation and its differential Because of this complex reality, the third recommendations that could be adopted impacts on gender. Secondly, the development session focused on media representations by the media to limit the personal impacts of a code of conduct for reporters was seen as of women politicians and possible changes of their stories and promote more gender a priority. Thirdly, they called for increased that could be implemented. Delegates sensitive reporting. Firstly, they stressed numbers of stories that bring attention to the agreed that the general approach employed media sensitization training and education on significance and positive impact of the work of by traditional press in covering politics, and political harassment and the personal impact women at all levels of politics.

24 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS GENDER NEUTRAL COVERAGE OF WOMEN CANDIDATES AND POLITICIANS

As part of its “Name It. Change It.” • Avoid writing about a woman By contrast, the guide recommends: campaign, the Women’s Media Center politician’s clothing or physical • Write about symbolically important (WMC) released a guide on gender appearance unless that outlet has clothing regardless of the politician’s neutral media coverage of politicians, published similar articles about men gender. following research in the in politics. showing that language shapes actions • Ask questions about a male politician’s • Do not use gendered terms like and perceptions of reality, and that sexist role as father if he speaks of it as a job “feisty,” “spirited,” or “opinionated” media coverage drastically decreases qualifier. unless similar terms would be used to voter confidence in women running describe a man (the guide also includes • Question men in politics about sexist for election. Many of their practical a glossary of terms to help identify language they use. guidelines for journalists revolve around examples of discriminatory language). the rule of reversibility. For example: Learn more in the Women Media • Do not discuss a woman politician’s Center’s Media Guide to Gender Neutral identity as a mother unless she brings Coverage of Women Candidates + Politicians. it up first.

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 25 In addition, delegates discussed strategies 1. Do thorough research prior to making a immediately when reporters show up at that individual parliamentarians could employ comment or participating in an interview. meetings. while engaging with the media to encourage • Understand the agenda of the 4. Find opportunities to listen to and speak more objective representation. The recurrent interviewer, what they want to ask, with the public directly in order to build suggestions emerging from their exchange of and what they hope the interview will support and shape conversations. personal experiences were: achieve. • Build relationships based on trust with • Know your message and make clear civil society and NGOs that have shared IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATE  what you would like the key takeaways objectives. “We do not do enough to recognize the of your comments to be. work of the women around us. And • Engage with constituents through when we don’t recognize the work of the 2. Control the timing of your engagement; social media in ways that provide an women around us, we don’t cause other only comment or take an interview when authentic depiction of you. you feel comfortable with the subject young women to aspire to move up. Not 5. Develop a communications strategy that matter. only in politics, but in business and in helps set a precedent for the media’s leadership … We need to put a structure • Do not postpone addressing the issue engagement with parliamentarians. together to cause that to happen so that for too long. • Incorporate both traditional and social they have somebody to look up to.” • Recognize the strategic importance of media and the practices above. silence at certain times. • Have a plan for reacting quickly and 3. Engage with interviewers in a personal way effectively when issues arise. to build respectful relationships. Finally, because gender-based political harassment • Create a comfortable yet professional is a social phenomenon, delegates echoed the calls interviewing environment. to educate the public broadly on sexism in politics

• Consider arranging meetings in in order to create more widespread pressure for your office rather than commenting media practices to change.

26 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATES 

“Engage … in a discourse about changing how we deal with each other as men and women from a perspective of respect and taking it on as a national, societal change.”

Political and legal frameworks “Backlash comes from gendered perceptions “As women, we owe it to ourselves to of a threat to male superiority, control and have our own PR. What do we want Following the concentration on the social toughness with the perceived ‘feminization’ people to know about us? … Promote and political impacts of gender-based political of politics and public office. Although this the positive and allow people to make harassment and its impacts on the first problem is not new, its entry into the regional [their own] choice. What are you going day of the meeting, the delegates turned and international agenda itself is a recent to spend your time on? This daycare, on the second day to formal avenues for phenomenon. Clearly, instruments need to be the 500 children who are benefiting taking action. The options addressed were developed at the regional and international from this program? Or what I wore legal and political reforms and new policy levels to provide support to countries for yesterday in parliament?” frameworks for responding to and preventing responding effectively.” political harassment, at both the national YASMIN SOLITAHE ODLUM (CIM) “I now have a broader perspective on and international levels. Delegates' group the issue and can see how mainstream discussions centred on how the electoral Delegates debated at length the most media can influence the change systems and political party structures of their structurally facilitative electoral system for needed.” respective countries could be transformed to increasing the number of women in parliament. become more gender sensitive. Many felt that systems based on or including

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 27 to raise their political profile and support. The meeting’s delegates considered political parties the key gatekeepers to women’s greater participation in parliamentary politics, and emphasized the potential of parties to radically level the playing field through more inclusive practices. Candidate selection was seen as the most direct way to do this; they were of the opinion that parties should prioritize the goal of gender parity throughout the process. However, the party elements of proportional representation, example, the penalty for not meeting the quota environment must also be more welcoming and in which political parties receive a number of is a fine, and parties will pay this rather than accommodating to women’s leadership at high seats roughly equal to their share of popular attempting to meet the requirement. levels. Mentoring programs and women's arms vote support, were preferable because they Regardless of the electoral system, or leagues were highlighted as important spaces better predict the election of more women to campaign finance rules can put women at within a party to elevate women's engagement, parliament than with a “first past the post” a disadvantage. Women also face a rigorous build constituencies of interest, and maintain system (though this was also considered selection process for placement on the pressure with respect to gender equality imperfect). candidate list, which can be a deterrent to concerns. Delegates stressed that in many cases Further, they discussed the possibility participation as gendered biases among party internal party structures must be reformed to of legislating a minimum number of women leadership are not uncommon. Even if they achieve these objectives. Governing documents required on each party's candidate list for make the party list, women can be overlooked such as political party and parliamentary elections. This is the case in when decisions are made regarding winnable and other ParlAmericas member seats or appointment to higher positions after 7 For a complete list of countries (as of 2014) in Latin America and the 7 legislatures with gender quota laws. However they enter parliament. As a result, delegates Caribbean with legislative quota laws, see pages 10 and 11 of “Women sanctions need to be sufficiently severe to stressed the importance of networking and in Politics and Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean” by Mala Htun and Jennifer Piscopo (Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum Working ensure party compliance. In some countries, for community involvement for women candidates Papers on Women in Politics: No. 2, Social Science Research Council)

28 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS manifestos8 were seen as places to formalize Ecuador, Mexico and where bills have not only potential structural changes, but been introduced in parliament. Inter-American Convention on the also a commitment to gender equality and a “Despite these advances,” she noted, Prevention, Punishment and Eradication culture of respect within parties. “from a regional perspective the response of Violence Against Women (Belém do Pará, 1994) During this session Ms. Odlum also by laws that sanction this violence is still presented on CIM’s project “Preventing, limited.” Ms. Odlum also made reference Article 4: “Every woman has the right to Punishing and Eradicating Political Violence to the 2015 Inter-American the recognition, enjoyment, exercise and against Women in the Americas,” which Declaration on Political Harassment and protection of all human rights and freedoms strengthens the institutional capacity of Violence against Women; it promotes “the embodied in regional and international political authorities within the framework adoption, where appropriate, of regulations, human rights instruments. These rights of the Belém do Pará convention, and which programs and measures for the prevention, include, among others ... The right to have supports the formulation or adaptation of attention, protection, eradication of equal access to the public service of her policy and programmatic responses, model political violence and/or harassment against country and to take part in the conduct of protocols and the review of legislative women, that allow the proper punishment public affairs, including decision-making.” initiatives. She noted a generalized gap and reparation of these acts, in the Article 5: “Every woman is entitled to the in terms of legislation against gender administrative, criminal, electoral norms free and full exercise of her civil, political, violence in the public sphere and referenced spheres, taking into account the applicable economic, social and cultural rights, and may Bolivia, the only country that has adopted a international instruments.” rely on the full protection of those rights specific law. As the issue is becoming more Some of the recommended practices as embodied in regional and international prominent on the public agenda, there identified in the CIM’s work developing instruments on human rights. The States is a window of opportunity to legislate, anti-harassment guidelines include: Parties recognize that violence against she noted, citing the cases of , identifying the most appropriate types of women prevents and nullifies the exercise of these rights.”

Visit CIM’s website for more information on the 8 For an example, see “Women’s Manifesto: 10 Demands of convention and its follow-up mechanism known as Women of ” released by the Network of MESECVI. NGOs of Trinidad and Tobago for the Advancement of Women.

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 29 sanctions, prioritizing prevention, designing Empowering parliamentarians This research method would also ensure the specialized services to care for women in through research project's relevance for parliamentarians, as it situations of political violence, establishing would collect, analyze, and then disseminate One of the recurring tools proposed towards clear mandates for critical actors (electoral best practices. the objective of ending gender-based institutions, political parties and the media), The delegates expressed their strong political harassment was research. There designing specific policies for election periods agreement that this research was necessary in exists very limited information globally (when violence may become more extreme), the Caribbean. One of the concrete benefits on the phenomenon, and in the Caribbean obligating public institutions to produce the delegates saw from such a project was that in particular there have been very few data on the issue, and establishing specific the results could be used to build a case and documentation efforts, limiting the prospects mechanisms for the local level, among others. defend the need to respond to the issue with of developing evidence-based solutions. In the gravity it merits. Both the parliamentarians this session Dr. Gabrielle Hosein of the IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATE  and experts in attendance spoke about the Institute for Gender and Development Studies “The matter of gender-based political at the University of the West Indies spoke to harassment is so entrenched in our delegates about a research project she hopes societies that persons seem to accept it to pursue to close this knowledge gap in the as the norm. Women are most targeted Caribbean subregion, and which ParlAmericas and dragged through the ‘rumour mill,’ will support. insults, threats, verbal and physical Dr. Hosein intends to undertake a series abuse. This conversation must be of interviews with parliamentarians from propelled beyond the talk period to across the Caribbean about their experiences the direct action legislatively if such negotiating gender-based political harassment negatives must be eradicated.” and, importantly, the outcomes of strategies employed to overcome it. The proposed project would further understanding of the issue, informed directly by the insight and stories of politicians who have encountered it firsthand.

30 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS direction they felt the research should take. After participating in roundtable discussions to get a sense of their colleagues’ perspectives and experiences, they shared the research questions they thought should be examined. The questions delegates developed covered a range of concerns related to gender-based political harassment. It was evident they felt the project should gather Caribbean-specific data to document not only the extent of the issue in the region, but also illustrate how it is currently interpreted by parliamentarians.9 Participants felt it was valuable to understand tools (e.g. protocols, policies, legislation), the “If a [woman] member of your political whether individuals viewed themselves as actors that could play a role in improving the organization says, ‘I have been politically having personally been a victim of gender- situation, and the role of culture. harassed,’ a) what do you understand [her] to based political harassment, how they were be saying? B) what would you do? How would “Have you ever been politically harassed or affected, and what strategies they have you seek to engage your male counterparts witnessed political harassment? If harassed, employed or would recommend for negotiating in order to win their support, advice, has it been mentally, physically or verbally? these situations. Within this, they also hoped to partnership in the sharing of best practices What was the source of the harassment? (ex: understand how the nature of the experiences that would lead towards the eradication of party, media, opposition, general public, etc.)” of women and men differed.10 political harassment?” In addition to building consensus on what constitutes gender-based political harassment 9 While they did not feel this should be a focus area of the research, several delegates felt it was worth interrogating how gender and sexuality and the specificities of the phenomenon in the can be invoked advantageously in the political environment, in order to better understand the way notions of masculinity and femininity can both Anglophone Caribbean context, participants damage and benefit politicians. They agreed that while people are often quick to point out when they believe women are “playing the gender card,” it is less common to see recognition of men’s reliance on notions of gender and sexuality in their political campaigning and work. placed importance on the proposed project’s 10 In discussing examples of how manhood can come into play in the harassment faced by men in politics, the most frequently mentioned insults emphasis on the responsiveness of various were homophobic in nature; they also tended to revolve around ideas of impotence vs. virility, in addition to comments on weight.

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 31 “Are there any frameworks, formal or informal, to address conduct between members (a) in your party and (b) in your parliament? If so, are they enforced? Is there any special effort by your party or parliament to eliminate sexual harassment?”

“Where/what would be the best entry point to address gender-based political harassment? What remedial actions should be instituted to address the issues of gender- based political harassment? Do you think the issue is understood enough to be debated at a national level?”

“How do you feel you can generally contribute … other than in legislation … in ending political harassment? What sources of support can Caribbean women count on locally or regionally? What role can the family play in preventing political harassment?”

IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATE  All of the delegates in attendance confirmed their interest in “It must be exposed. We must not just taking part in Dr. Hosein’s project as research participants. They also hear about it, we must know the facts agreed that the format of the research results should be accessible about it.” to parliamentarians, as well as youth groups, the women’s arms of political parties, and grassroots organizations.

32 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS Developing work plans for university students, preparing reports the course of the meeting: broader education for Cabinet and the Party Executive, and and awareness on the issue, the creation of In the final session, the delegates reflected submitting a motion for parliamentary debate. support structures, engagement with youth on the lessons of the meeting and discussed Among the support networks she planned to in order to transform culture, and cementing the roles they could each play in combatting draw upon were ParlAmericas, her political formal commitments to action among political gender-based political harassment in their party, prominent political figures in her leaders. They also highlight the variety of ways respective countries. Parliamentarians then country, and civil society groups. in which individual parliamentarians can begin committed themselves to taking the specific The approach of another parliamentarian to address this issue and help to drive broader, actions that would allow them to have the was focused on awareness raising and systemic change. greatest personal impact in addressing the education, particularly among youth as a issue. Each delegate designed a work plan that means of countering the declining political outlined their individual commitment, as participation of this segment of the well as the steps, resources and other support population. The key steps he identified to necessary for its achievement. Two examples of achieving this included engaging high school the work plans are discussed below. students in political processes initiatives like The long term objective of one youth voting, and meeting with the relevant parliamentarian was to ensure that the issue ministers and colleagues from all parties to is discussed at all levels. “I am committed to lobby for gender issues to be debated in the breaking the silence on political harassment,” next youth parliament. His commitment to she stated. Some of the principal stages and action for the following week was to make resources she identified in working towards a member’s statement on the meeting and this objective included: gathering information arrange a meeting with the ministers for from the individuals present at the meeting, education and youth. drafting a statement and social media postings, These individual work plans reflect the requesting research be conducted on the local common themes and strategies for moving situation, organizing a debate on the issue forward that surfaced frequently throughout

GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS 33 CLOSING

The meeting was closed with remarks by President of the Senate Claudius Francis, on behalf of the host parliament of Saint Lucia. President Francis congratulated and thanked delegates for their work over the course of the two day meeting.

IN THE WORDS OF THE DELEGATES  “I knew first hand of the political “I'm motivated to speak out more on this harassment since I have been a victim subject and to give greater support to of it for more than two decades. I was victims.” astounded by the widespread aspect of [it] across the region and around the world. I am now more empowered about “The actions taken against women in the the numerous strategies which I can region is alarmingly extreme. This type of devise and implement in my quest to forum is an organized way of engaging eradicate such a scourge. I am energized women to stand up and participate to share my experiences with other MPs in positive action to end political ... I shall use every opportunity to work harassment and encourage more women with my constituents to minimize their to enter elective politics.” acceptance of [political harassment].”

34 GENDER-BASED POLITICAL HARASSMENT: BUILDING AWARENESS IN PARLIAMENTS PARTICIPANTS

Delegates representing the Subject matter experts following parliaments representing the following organizations • • UN Women Multi-Country • Office — Caribbean • Barbados • Inter-American Commission • of Women of the Organization • Canada of American States

• • Caribbean Institute of Women in Leadership • • Institute for Gender and • Guyana Development Studies at the • University of the West Indies • and Nevis

• Saint Lucia

• Trinidad and Tobago

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