Jamaica elected to executive committee of Inter-American Commission of Women

Jamaica has secured a significant leadership role within the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), following its election to the Executive Committee of the commission for the 2026–2029 term during the 40th Assembly of Delegates, held from May 27 to 29 at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C.

The election marks a major achievement for Jamaica and reflects the country’s growing influence in regional efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across the Americas.

On the final day of the assembly, member states elected the commission’s new leadership team to guide its work over the next three years. Jamaica was chosen to fill one of five vacancies on the Executive Committee, following efforts coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the OAS.

Jamaica will be represented on the Executive Committee by Sharon Coburn Robinson, principal director for gender affairs in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

Significantly, Jamaica received the highest number of votes among all countries elected to the Executive Committee, a strong endorsement of the country’s longstanding commitment to advancing women’s rights, promoting gender equality and supporting the empowerment of women and girls. The result also highlights Jamaica’s respected standing within the inter-American system.

The 40th Assembly of Delegates was convened under the theme “Women’s Economic Rights in the Americas” and brought together ministers and senior government officials responsible for women’s affairs, representatives of permanent and observer missions to the OAS, specialists from international organizations and development agencies, and experts in gender and social policy.

Discussions focused on strengthening policies and initiatives aimed at expanding women’s economic opportunities, promoting financial independence and ensuring full participation in the social and economic development of the region.

Jamaica’s election to the Executive Committee provides the country with an important platform to help shape the strategic direction, policy agenda and programme priorities of the CIM during the 2026–2029 period. Through its participation, Jamaica is expected to continue advocating for inclusive policies that promote gender equality and support the economic, social and political advancement of women throughout the hemisphere.

In welcoming the appointment, the Government of Jamaica said it looks forward to working closely with fellow member states and regional partners to advance the objectives of the commission and strengthen cooperation in promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls across the Americas.

The achievement comes on the heels of another milestone for Jamaica’s gender affairs sector. Last week, the OAS unveiled a portrait honoring the late Princess May Lawes in its Hall of Heroes and Heroines, recognizing her pioneering contributions to women’s rights and social development in Jamaica and across the hemisphere.