NASSAU, Bahamas – Admitting that she is not “necessarily” happy about being the only woman in Cabinet, West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe pledged on Wednesday to help facilitate the entry of more women into politics as she feels the group is underrepresented in this area, The Tribune reported on Thursday, March 4.
Her comments came after the Cabinet Office on Tuesday announced her new appointment as minister of state for disaster preparedness, management and reconstruction, which will make her the only woman Cabinet minister in the Minnis administration since the shock resignation of Lanisha Rolle last week.
She replaces Iram Lewis, who was removed from his previous post to become the new minister of youth, sports and culture after Mrs Rolle’s departure.
In view of Mrs Rolle’s resignation and her male replacement, the Minnis administration has faced criticism from advocacy groups and politicians for not having a female representative in Cabinet.
On Wednesday, Mrs Parker-Edgecombe admitted that the issue of women inclusion—especially in the political landscape—is one that needs addressing.
Saying she doesn’t want to be the only female minister, Mrs Parker-Edgecombe pledged to work towards ensuring that women are given more political opportunities.
“Being the only female in (Cabinet) is obviously an issue particularly at this time because we would’ve had minister Lanisha Rolle who was there prior who I think did a tremendous job in representing the women of the Commonwealth ofarticle The Bahamas,” she told reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday.
“I don’t want to be the only female,” she said. “I wish that there were more and I am going to work to ensure that more women are running for political office and that has to start at the party level. I think that the more women offer themselves, our chances of being at the table is even better but I don’t necessarily feel happy being the only one there.” See complete Tribune article at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2021/mar/04/pakesia-we-need-more-women-politics/
