UN Women and Regional Partners Champion a New Generation of Gender Equality Leaders Through 16th CIGAD
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UN Women Photos / Sharon Carter-Burke
Bridgetown, Barbados — The 16th Caribbean Institute in Gender and Development (CIGAD) officially opened on 8 July 2026, bringing together a new cohort of 26 emerging leaders, public officers, academics, advocates, and changemakers committed to advancing gender equality and social justice across the Caribbean.
UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) – Caribbean, Head of Office a.i. Isiuwa Iyahen reaffirmed UN Women’s longstanding partnership with the Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS); a key regional partner for UN Women since 1992.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening feminist knowledge production, and supporting institutions and leaders across the region to apply gender analysis in policy, programming and community action. In this vein, UN Women is proud to have been a CIGAD partner since 2003.
“Today, we are not only opening an Institute, but we are also opening a space for courage, connection and collective power for accelerating commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment across the Caribbean.
“This Institute is a launchpad for the kind of leadership our region needs now: leadership that embraces feminism and is unapologetically committed to gender justice. CIGAD aligns with UN Women’s mandate for transformative - not just incremental change; but catalytic change that tackles the root causes of inequality and leaves no one behind,” Ms. Iyahen said during the opening ceremony.
Tonya Haynes, PhD, Head and Lecturer, IGDS: Nita Barrow Unit, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill said: “The Institute for Gender and Development Studies: Nita Barrow Unit has offered the CIGAD programme since 1994 in recognition of its ability to drive transformative change across the Caribbean, and to ignite new generations of gender justice champions who create sustainable initiatives in their communities.”
UN Women also acknowledged the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for its continued financial and technical support to CIGAD and the associated seed grants programme to its broader commitment to promoting gender-responsive development across the Caribbean.
“For CDB, supporting CIGAD as a gender training programme is strategic. Societies that are more equal are also more prosperous, more stable, and better equipped to respond to the complex challenges facing the Caribbean today, including climate change, economic shocks, and social inequality,” said L. O'Reilly Lewis, Director of Projects, CDB.
Addressing Persistent Gender Inequalities
Speaking to the importance of the programme in the current development context, the UN Women head noted that significant challenges remain for women and girls throughout the region. Gender-based violence, unequal care responsibilities, barriers to leadership and decision-making, economic insecurity, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change and disasters continue to distortedly shape women and girls’ lives and limit their opportunities.
At the same time, she emphasised that Caribbean women, youth, and grassroots movements are leading efforts to drive change, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and determination in the face of persistent inequalities.
“The work that begins here today is urgent,” Ms. Iyahen said, underscoring the need for strong gender analysis, accountable institutions, inclusive policymaking, and bold leadership capable of addressing the root causes of inequality.
Building a Community of Practice for Change
A central theme of the opening ceremony was the importance of investing in leadership that challenges harmful norms and transforms systems and institutions.
CIGAD offers participants an opportunity not only to build technical knowledge but also to become part of a regional community of practice focused on advancing gender equality. Through collaboration, critical reflection, and shared learning, participants are encouraged to develop innovative strategies that can influence policy, strengthen institutions, and improve outcomes for women, girls, and gender-diverse people throughout the Caribbean.
Iyahen encouraged participants to engage deeply with the programme, challenge assumptions, and build meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom experience.
Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Justice
The launch event also highlighted the contribution of Ranako Bailey, a CIGAD 2023 alumnus and tutor in this year’s programme. Through his initiative, We Talkin Bois, Bailey works with boys and young men to promote healthy and positive masculinities and foster greater engagement of men and boys in advancing gender equality.
The UN Women Head noted that Mr. Bailey’s initiative and his participation underscore that transforming gender relations requires, the meaningful engagement of men and boys as partners in challenging harmful gender norms, preventing violence, and building more equitable communities. Men and boys must be part of the solution, not bystanders to change.
Investing in the Future of Gender Equality
Closing her remarks, Ms. Iyahen congratulated Dr. Haynes and the team at IGDS:NBU, along with the CDB, tutors, facilitators, alumni, and development partners whose support makes the programme possible.
She reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to working alongside regional partners to advance the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals, and to strengthening feminist leadership throughout the Caribbean.
As the 16th CIGAD cohort begins its learning journey, participants are being called upon to embrace their roles as change agents—equipped with the knowledge, networks, and determination to help create a more equal and gender-just Caribbean for all.
“We want you to leave CIGAD believing, without hesitation, that you have the power to shift the story of gender equality in your country and in this region.”