Minnis Vows to Appoint More Women to Cabinet if Reelected
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Prime Minister Hubert Minnis promises that if his administration is reelected in the next General Election, he will appoint more women to the Cabinet.
Why it matters
West End MP Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe was appointed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, yesterday, making her the only woman in Cabinet, since the recent resignation of Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Lanisha Rolle. Parker-Edgecombe replaces Iram Lewis who replaced Rolle.
The big picture
Since Independence, two women have served as Governor Generals. Women have also headed the legislative and judicial branches, including as President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Assembly, President of the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice.
Currently, of the 16 members of the Senate, seven women are serving in that capacity.
Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt served in the Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister.
What PM says about women leadership
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the representation of women in the Cabinet is at a historic low, given the previous number of women serving at that level.
“This is not good for our democracy or our society.
“In keeping with the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, I challenge myself, my party, other parties, the nation, and the women of the nation, in our collective determination to ensure that more women serve in Parliament and in the Cabinet.”
