The Caribbean Democrat Union (CDU) in partnership with the Conservatives Westminster
Foundation for Democracy (WFD) Programme, the LeadHERship Institute, and the United
Workers Party (UWP) successfully completed a 10-week Leadership Training programme
for young women in Saint Lucia.
The training programme engaged the young female participants on topics such as
Parliamentary Democracy and The Electoral System, Building an Advocacy Campaign,
Personal Branding, Parliamentary Procedures and Debates, Public Speaking and Media.
Participants were also provided with a tour of the Saint Lucia Parliament and had the
opportunity to speak with other female members of Parliament and activists from across
the region in online sessions. The programme concluded with a face-to-face training and
graduation ceremony at the Coco Palm Resort in Saint Lucia from 9th to 10th February 2024
where the participants were presented with certificates of participation.
Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the UWP, Hon. Allen Chastanet
congratulated the young women on their high level of engagement and participation in the
programme and encouraged them to exemplify the leadership skills gained in their
communities across Saint Lucia.
Ms. Laura Saunders, Head of the Conservatives WFD Programme congratulated the young
ladies on their performance and looks forward to their increased participation in politics,
civil society, and community involvement to advocate on issues important to them and
their peers.
Mr. Nick Francis, Secretary General of the CDU thanked the Conservatives WFD Programme
for their continued support in creating spaces for increased participation of women and
youth in decision making which is critical to the strengthening of democratic governance in
the Caribbean region.
This is the third successful engagement under the LeadHERship programme; the first two
engagements were held in Belize and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2022 and 2023
respectively.
“As the Executive Director of LeadHERship Institute, concluding our third cohort’s 8-
week political leadership programme in St. Lucia reaffirms the critical importance of
young women tapping into their voices. It is through their empowered voices that they
become the drivers for transformative change. This programme is more than an
initiative; it’s a catalyst for nurturing leaders within every Caribbean girl. Our mission
is to empower them to not just find their voice, but to use it as a powerful force for
positive change in their communities and beyond. The unique setting of St. Lucia has
added a special dimension to our efforts, and the progress made by these young
women underscores the programme’s commitment to fostering empowered leaders
who will contribute significantly to the progress and vibrancy of St. Lucia”
