Minister Quinn-Leandro addresses the CSW at the UN
 

NEW YORK, NY - February 27, 2007……..Following fruitful and productive meetings last week at the OAS in Washington, Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, Minister of Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment presented on the best practices of Antigua and Barbuda at the 51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), on Monday at the United Nations in New York.

This year's CSW session, further reviewed the progress on the commitments to women in the Beijing Platform for Action and the Beijing Plus Five Outcomes Document, and focused on violence against women and the girl child. Dr. Quinn-Leandro said the “decision to focus on the girl child provides an excellent opportunity to assess progress in implementation of the recommendations on eliminating discrimination and violence, and to identify strategies to address the challenges”. She said the delegation commended the Commission's initiative this year in providing opportunities for interactive discussion between member States.

The Minister, in sharing some of Antigua's best practises, noted the country's commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls, as well as, the government's unwavering commitment to the elimination of discrimination against women, as demonstrated with the ratification of the Optional Protocol of CEDAW in 2006. She also mentioned other legislative measures taken by the government of Antigua and Barbuda to protect the rights of women and girls in the country.

“In my country, for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2006; creative initiatives were used to encourage youth involvement. With the support of UNIFEM, a successful violence against women and HIV/AIDS logo competition was launched in schools across Antigua and Barbuda stimulating awareness and exposing young minds to the ills of these real issues in our society”, she said.
Dr. Quinn-Leandro noted other significant programmes, including the young women's leadership institute that will engage young women in areas of advocacy, analysis and dialogue. She said the institute will focus on gender issues, social change and leadership. Young men will also be included as a way of increasing their involvement in the change process towards gender equality. 

“As part of my government's commitment to the alleviation of poverty, a National School Meals Programme was introduced in Antigua and Barbuda last year; aimed at providing nutrition through a balanced meal”, the Minister said. She pointed to the positive link between good nutrition and academic success. Minister Quinn-Leandro also mentioned the recent completion of a national youth policy, which addressed the concerns of girls and young women, pregnant girls and teen mothers, and physically and mentally challenged young people.

Dr. Quinn-Leandro extended her congratulations to the members of the bureau on chairing the “important session of the Commission on the Status of Women”, as well as thanked the Secretary-General for what she described as “comprehensive reports” prepared for the sessions.  She said that Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the opportunity to participate in the 51st Session of the CSW.  “The Commission has a vital role to play in reviewing the implementation of international standards on women's human rights. We look forward to continue sharing best practices which will impact on improving the lives of women and girls in our societies”, she said.  

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Click here for a complete copy of  the Hon. Dr. Jacqui  Quinn-Leandro Statement: