The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) proudly announces the completion and submission of Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Belem do Para Report, marking a significant milestone for the nation in its continued commitment to addressing and eliminating violence against women.
The Belem do Para Convention, formally known as the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women, was adopted in 1994. This vital international instrument “defines violence against women, establishes that women have the right to live a life free of violence and that violence against women constitutes a violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also calls for the establishment of mechanisms for protecting and defending women’s rights as essential to combating the phenomenon of violence against women’s physical, sexual, and psychological integrity, whether in the public or the private sphere, and for asserting those rights within society.”
The report accounts for Antigua and Barbuda’s progress in the implementation of the Belem do Para Convention in the 2018- 2024 period. Antigua and Barbuda responded to a set of indicators regarding Legislation, National Plans, Access to Justice, Information and Statistics, and Diversity.
This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of the technical team at the Directorate of Gender Affairs, working in close collaboration with a wide range of government departments, civil society organizations, and social partners to include the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Family and Social Services Division, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Legal Aid, Civil Registry and Woman Against Rape (WAR). Their contributions ensured that the data and insights submitted were comprehensive, current, and reflective of on-the-ground realities.
Ashlea Ambris, Project Officer at the Directorate of Gender Affairs, who played a key role in coordinating the report, expressed pride in the successful submission: “This submission speaks not only to our country’s commitment to international human rights standards but also to the strength of our national partnerships. It highlights the pivotal role the Directorate of Gender Affairs plays in ensuring Antigua and Barbuda remains accountable to the protection and advancement of women’s rights. The impact of this report is far-reaching—it helps us track progress, identify gaps, and improve national policies to create a safer, more equitable society for all.”
Melanie Williams-Kirnon, Program Officer at the Directorate of Gender Affairs, also expressed delight in the completion of the report, highlighting that:
“The importance of addressing violence against women is not just a necessity, but a moral imperative for a just and equitable society. With all stakeholders working together, we can break negative cycles and foster a future where every woman lives free from fear and harm”.
DoGA extends sincere thanks to all stakeholders who contributed to this important effort. Their expertise and commitment to gender equity made the completion of this report possible.
The Directorate remains steadfast in its mission to monitor, coordinate, and advocate for policies and programs that address gender-based violence, promote equality, and fulfill Antigua and Barbuda’s obligations under international conventions like Belem do Para.
