“Women are doing very well” says Minnis
NASSAU, BAHAMAS As he defended the lack of women in leadership positions in the government, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday he looks forward to the day The Bahamas has its first female prime minister.
When asked whether there will be a gap in female representation until the next election is called, Minnis said: “I don’t know when the bell may ring; the bell may ring tomorrow and therefore you don’t have time for that, but those are matters we will address.
“We always feel that we want to ensure there are equal men and women not only in the Cabinet but even if you look in the Office of the Prime Minister, I’m a male and both my secretaries are females.
Lack of female representation in Cabinet worrying
Caribbean Women in Leadership Bahamas Chapter (CIWiL) and its executives and membership are very concerned about the resignation of Lanisha Rolle from Cabinet and the subsequent replacement by a male parliamentarian.
CIWiL is a non-partisan and independent nongovernmental organization, established to monitor and strengthen the work of increasing women’s political participation in the region through advocacy, networking, research and capacity building.
CIWiL, in partnership with the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and other non-governmental organizations, led a Women in Parliament Session on December 11, 2020.
More than 30 women, representing civil society, non-governmental organizations and the government sector, maximized the opportunity to present a resolution to increase women’s representation in Parliament.
Lisa Bostwick-Dean. (BIS PHOTO/LETISHA HENDERSON)
Senator Lisa Bostwick-Dean noted that while she understands the current situation with the Minnis administration, she remains deeply concerned.
“Of course, as a woman, I am concerned about the lack of a female presence at Cabinet, deeply concerned, and I hope it is a matter that can be addressed,” Bostwick-Dean said, as she debunked rumors that she would receive the FNM (Free National Movement) nomination for the Seabreeze constituency.
“But I do understand the challenges with that decision as there are not many women in the lower house and indeed there is no room for someone in this House to become a seated Cabinet minister.