ABWU Women's Conference Adopts Four-Point Resolution to Bolster Support for Female Workers

Nearly 100 women drawn from dozens of workplaces across Antigua and Barbuda gathered for the third annual Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union (ABWU) Women's Conference, which concluded with a new resolution aimed at strengthening workplace support for women.

Held under the theme "Women's Empowerment and Mental Health: Mental Load, Burnout and Invisible Labour," the conference provided a platform for participants to reflect on their experiences and share knowledge on improving their lives both inside and outside the working environment.

The resolution to emerge from the gathering sets out four priority areas intended to guide the Union's Women's Council as it advocates for practical, equitable and enforceable workplace support. Those areas are the provision of safe, adequate and gender-responsive workplace infrastructure; strengthened access to health-related supports, including preventive care and reproductive and menstrual health accommodations; recognition of mental health as an essential part of workplace wellness; and greater advocacy for fair and equitable compensation measures for women.

A central feature of the day was an interactive presentation and discussion on mental load, invisible labour and burnout — three issues organisers say disproportionately affect women. Clinical Psychologist Jo-Nelle Walsh told participants that many women are overwhelmed by responsibilities and expectations long tied to traditional gender roles, urging them to set healthy boundaries and prioritise their own wellbeing.

"It is okay to say no — and to say no without feeling guilty," Walsh said.

Human Resource Consultant and columnist Calisha Spencer encouraged women to take greater ownership of their lives, telling the gathering: "Own your choices and take charge of the direction of your own life."

Senator Malaka Parker and former ABWU Executive member André Sharpe also delivered presentations offering tools for empowerment.

Reflecting on the conference, Chair of the Women's Council Hazel Luke pointed to the momentum the event has built over its three years. "We are deeply encouraged by the feedback we receive each year," she said. "Our women are truly benefiting, not just from the sessions but also from the progress we're making through our resolutions and subsequent articles in our collective agreements."

Secretary of the Women's Council Imani Meade cited a recent milestone as evidence of that progress, noting that the Labour Department had certified the Union's first collective bargaining agreement containing provisions on the "3Ms" — Menstruation, Maternity, Menopause and Andropause. Those provisions originated from a resolution adopted at the 2024 Women's Conference, and Meade said similar proposals are now being pursued in other negotiations.

Feedback from attendees was positive. "Women really need to stick together. I'm very happy that I came to this conference," one participant said. Another added, "I want to say thanks for the past two years that I have been coming to these workshops. They have been inspiring, and I thoroughly enjoy them."

The ABWU has said the annual conference continues to solidify its place as a major activity within the Union, underscoring its commitment to supporting the empowerment and advancement of women in the workplace and wider society.