Growth in a nation and increased female participation in political leadership are correlated, a veteran regional female politician says studies show.

Camille Robinson Regis, a stalwart in the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) in Trinidad and Tobago, made that link as she addressed the morning session of the 12th annual conference of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Women’s Arm last Sunday at the Peace Memorial Hall.{{more}}

The conference was held under the theme: “Sustaining the energy: With Strategies for longevity and connectivity.”

Regis, who recently retired from active politics due to health concerns after 16 years as a parliamentary representative, told the ULP women that it is important that the Women’s Arm move beyond the traditional responsibilities associated with women in political parties and look towards identifying, and developing female candidates in elections, who can go on and have significant leadership roles within government.

She noted that while there has been improvement in the area of women’s involvement in political leadership, the strides made, she says studies show, have been small ones; noting the need for much greater effort.

Regis touted women as being more loyal, committed, persistent and less likely to be corrupted, hence making them ideal leadership material in the political arena.

Prime Minister and political leader of the ULP also addressed the session, along with a representative from the Dominican Labour Party’s Women’s Arm.

Elections were held in the afternoon session of the conference and saw Judith George, Eloise Gonsalves, and Myrtle Jack returned to the posts of President, Vice President and Treasurer of the group, respectively. The posts of Recording Secretary, Executive Secretary, Sports Officer, and Fund Raising Officer went to Miriam Roache, Nicola Evans, Denise Harold, ad Denise Black, respectively. (KJ)