Williams-Grant says women remain underrepresented in Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament despite gains in the Senate.

Moreover, Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant made the remarks during the ceremonial opening of the Senate following the April 30 general election.

She noted that women now hold seven of the 17 seats in the Upper House. However, she said the numbers still fall short of equal representation.

“But we’re only at 41%. Seven out of 17 — we’re still not there,” Williams-Grant told senators.

In addition, she pointed to lower female representation in the House of Representatives. Currently, only two women serve in the Lower House.

“And worse off in the lower house. Only two out of 17,” she said.

Williams-Grant stressed that more work remains to increase women’s participation in national leadership. Therefore, she urged women across political lines to continue pushing for stronger representation.

She encouraged women to think beyond party politics and focus on national progress. At the same time, she called on women to support greater involvement in political leadership.

“Put on your hat as a nationalist,” Williams-Grant said while encouraging wider participation.

Furthermore, she urged female senators to become involved in parliamentary outreach programmes. She also encouraged mentorship initiatives aimed at guiding young women into leadership roles.

“So let’s not rest on our laurels,” she added.

Williams-Grant also congratulated women who contested the recent general election. She described their decision to seek office as a major achievement.

According to the Senate President, contesting elections requires courage and commitment. As a result, she said all women who stepped forward deserve recognition.

Meanwhile, her comments came during the first ceremonial Senate sitting of the new parliamentary term. The sitting followed the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s victory in the April 30 election.

The Senate now includes government, opposition, and independent senators. However, Williams-Grant said women still need stronger representation in both chambers of Parliament.

She believes greater female participation can strengthen leadership and national development. Therefore, she encouraged women across Antigua and Barbuda to continue pursuing opportunities in public service and politics.