As part of this seminar, mock campaigns and elections were held, which saw 17 women head to the House of Assembly on November 8, 2023, as parliamentarians. This initiative was geared towards boosting confidence in women who want to take a hands-on and intimate approach to governance.

“I think encouraging women is important. Women are often hesitant because we see politics as a man’s job. But of course, I believe women need to be at the table where decisions are made,” said Jessica St. Rose, Gender Relations Minister from the mock Cabinet. St. Rose says women need to be provided with future avenues which would equip them to enter the political arena. “When we add avenues for women to build on our leadership skills, I think more women would want to step forward and join the political field,” she said.

CIWiL Chapter Chair in Saint Lucia, Caron Tobiere says she is hopeful for the future of Saint Lucia’s politics following this initiative. “I am very confident that [the women] have gone through this training having expressed their desire to enter the political arena and there’s hope for us. We can expand the number of ladies involved in politics in Saint Lucia,” she said.

The All-Female Parliament met to debate the Minimum Wage Bill, which seeks to provide a minimum wage for workers in Saint Lucia. The parliamentarians are using this forum as a means to provide recommendations to the government, which is currently in receipt of a report from the Minimum Wage Commission.