United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ The forthcoming Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting, slated to occur in The Bahamas from 21 to 23 August 2023, aims to deliberate on strategies to attain gender equality across all 56 member countries. These proposed strategies encompass an intersectional approach to empower women and girls with disabilities, ensure gender-responsive climate action, and create a powerful network for reporting on Commonwealth priorities concerning gender equality.
The announcement regarding the meeting was made jointly by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and the Bahamas’ Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, Hon Obediah Wilchcombe, at a briefing event for London-based high commissions held on 17 July 2023. In her address at the briefing, the Commonwealth Secretary-General highlighted the challenges posed by the global pandemic, economic shocks, climate crisis, instability, and conflict, emphasizing the disproportionate impact these have on women and girls. However, she highlighted the unique opportunity for member countries to unite and lead the charge in achieving gender equality.
The Secretary-General added, “So, the context for our upcoming meeting is serious and challenging, demanding our unwavering attention. Yet, within this context, we have a special opportunity for our member nations to join hands and lead the way towards attaining gender equality. While we encounter many challenges, our collective experience, skills, and capacity enable us to transcend these barriers. Today’s discussion is a vital step as we work together to rise above our shared challenges and pursue our common goals.”
The ministerial meeting holds significance as the primary decision-making body for women’s affairs ministers, tasked with analyzing the progress made in attaining four Commonwealth gender equality priorities, such as women in leadership, women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and gender and climate change. Furthermore, this year’s meeting will place special emphasis on the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities.
Minister Wilchcombe, participating remotely, stressed the detrimental effects of gender inequality and gender-based violence on societies and families. He emphasized that achieving peace and prosperity, as envisioned by the Commonwealth, relies on combating these issues collectively. He said, “A culture of gender inequality and gender-based violence weakens the fundamental fabric of our societies and families. With weak families, we cannot attain the mandate of the Commonwealth, which speaks to being governed in an environment of peace and prosperity. The collective power of our communities should fuel our ambition for attaining the life-changing outcomes of the Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting in August.”
Preceding the ministerial meeting, various events are scheduled for August 2023, including a virtual civil society roundtable organized by the Commonwealth Foundation, a senior officials meeting, and a high-level side event held by the Spouse of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Ann Marie Davis. The insights gained from these events will inform the ministers’ discussions during the main meeting. While delivering his welcome address, acting High Commissioner of The Bahamas, Marché Mackey, underscored that the meeting’s purpose goes beyond demonstrating commitment and progress. He said, “We have some work to do, but every little step helps to get us closer to the goal of guaranteeing ‘equality towards a common future’ – the theme of this year’s meeting.”
Further, the meeting also involves acknowledging challenges and seeking support from the Commonwealth family to help address critical issues affecting women, ultimately working towards the theme of this year’s meeting: “Equality Towards a Common Future.” The results of this ministerial meeting will be significant in shaping the gender equality agenda for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that will be held in Samoa in 2024. The 13th triennial Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting will be presided over by Minister Obediah Wilchcombe.
