NASSAU, Bahamas — With all seven of the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) female candidates winning their seats, the results of last week’s general election represented a milestone for Bahamian women, who had previously never held more than five seats in Parliament, The Nassau Guardian reported on Monday, September 20.
Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin, who won her seat by a particularly large margin, said she hopes the increase in women in Parliament will lead to more diverse perspectives in the legislating process.
“The challenge we’re going to face is to make it a sustainable norm with increasing numbers,” she said.
“I’m trusting that in this new day, that we will cause for greater inclusion of women in the process and in decision-making, because the input of women as unique participants in this, the human journey, is very, very important.
“And the diversity allows for a more broad-spectrum understanding of our social and economic reality.
“So, I think that the increased number is excellent. I think the women have to ensure that they cause for their unique voices to be integrated into the process and not fall in line with a sort of centralized norm.”
She said in future elections, there has to be an effort on the part of all parties to nominate more women.
Hanna-Martin, who has been elected to represent Englerston for five consecutive terms, is now the longest-serving woman in the history of the Bahamian Parliament.
“I am very grateful that I have been able to still have a hand in it or a voice in it while at the same time I think being more equipped in service to the Bahamian people,” Hanna-Martin said when asked about the accomplishment.
“… This added involvement has come with a lot more understanding, mistakes made, and I made lots, lessons learned, and I’ve learned plenty, and just a more enhanced commitment and love for the Bahamian people, particularly the people who I represent.” See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/new-parliament-will-see-record-number-of-women-seated/?fbclid=IwAR35xao7PiTDrT1itvcoZ_crnAVn2OXR-fCXklqg-5zQm7b4d259p_gDqXw
