Women and Political Decision-Making

On June 27, fifteen women completed a course on Women and Political Decision-making in Curacao.

The course was organized by CAFRA Curacao and designed by Deputy Chairperson, Jeanne Henriquez, with three main aims:

• to increase the assertiveness of women in political decision-making

• to create a support network for women in leadership positions; and

• to creating a woman-friendly environment based on knowledge of gender analysis.

Through the use of participatory methodologies such as role-playing, small group discussions and fact-finding interviews, participants explored such topics as gender analysis, personal mission and vision statements, the political history of Curacao and international women’s human rights instruments.

During the last session, participants presented their views on three topics:

• people’s democracy, opposition to an American military base in Curacao

• sustainable economic development for Curacao

• Women party activist were also invited to speak on the pros and cons of being a woman politician.

So successful was the course that a similar course is being planned for young women in November.