The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is now in its fourth year serving as Chair of the Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting (WAMM), an unprecedented extension of what is traditionally a three-year chairmanship.
Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, Hon. Myles K. Laroda reaffirmed the country’s leadership role while addressing the Commonwealth Annual Consultation with National Women’s Machineries and Senior Officials on Sunday, held on the margins of the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York.
Under normal circumstances, the chairmanship of WAMM transitions every three years. However, with the next formal meeting of Women’s Affairs Ministers not scheduled until next year, The Bahamas continues to hold the chair and guide the Commonwealth’s ongoing work to advance gender equality across its 56 member states.
Minister Laroda told delegates that the extended chairmanship places The Bahamas in a unique position to help maintain momentum on women’s issues across the Commonwealth while preparing for the next phase of collective action.
“The advancement of women and girls is not simply a social goal — it is fundamental to national development, democratic stability and sustainable progress,” the Minister said.
He urged Commonwealth nations to remain steadfast in their commitment to gender equality, noting that progress must not stall even in the face of shifting global policy environments or resistance to women’s rights.
“As we move forward, it is important that our efforts do not retreat but continue to advance,” Minister Laroda said, adding that sustained progress requires strong policies, meaningful partnerships and a shared commitment among Commonwealth nations.
The Minister also underscored that violence against women remains one of the most significant barriers to the advancement and equality of women, stressing that meaningful progress on gender equality cannot occur while women and girls continue to face violence and insecurity.
The Commonwealth is currently preparing for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. On the sidelines of that gathering, a Commonwealth Women’s Forum will also be convened.
Minister Laroda said The Bahamas will continue to serve as chair during this period, helping to guide discussions and encouraging member states to demonstrate measurable progress in advancing women’s rights and opportunities.
“We look forward to CHOGM as an opportunity for Commonwealth countries to reflect on the progress we have made and to strengthen our shared commitment to policies, legislation and programmes that support the advancement of women and girls,” he said.
He noted that the Commonwealth provides an important platform for collaboration, allowing member states to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and promote collective action in support of gender equality.
Background
The Bahamas assumed the chairmanship of the Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting in 2023 under the leadership of the late Hon Obadiah H Wilchcombe, who served as Minister responsible for Gender and Family Affairs at the time.
Minister Laroda now continues that leadership on behalf of The Bahamas, guiding Commonwealth discussions on women’s empowerment and gender equality as member states work toward the next ministerial meeting and prepare for CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
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