About CIWiL AB
Advancing Women's Leadership in Antigua & Barbuda
Our Mission
To advance women's full involvement in decision making and leadership through advocacy, partnership, mentorship, training, and development, in political, civic, and public life across Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
Our Vision
A Caribbean where women achieve gender equality and exercise sustainable transformational leadership at every level of society, in government, the private sector, civil society, and community life.
Who We Are
CIWiL AB is the Antigua and Barbuda national chapter of the Caribbean Women In Leadership (CIWiL) network, a non partisan, independent organisation founded on the belief that women must be fully involved in the decision making processes that impact their lives.
We serve as a networking and capacity building organisation that provides training, mentorship, and advocacy platforms for women leaders across the public and private sectors, civil society, and community organisations.
Our work is rooted in the understanding that women's leadership is not a privilege, it is a right and a necessity for sustainable Caribbean development.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These six values guide every aspect of CIWiL AB's work, from how we treat each other to how we engage with the world.
⚖️ Integrity
We operate with honesty, ethical conduct, and transparency in everything we do.
🏳️ Gender Justice
We are committed to equality, equity, and the full realisation of women's rights.
🔍 Transparency
We are open and accountable in our decisions, finances, and governance.
🤝 Inclusiveness
We welcome and value diversity in all its forms across our membership and community.
📋 Accountability
We hold ourselves responsible for our commitments to members, partners, and the public.
💕 Sisterliness
We uplift each other in a spirit of solidarity, support, and shared purpose.
Our Journey
A History of Advancing Women's Leadership
From our founding in 2020 to a vibrant and growing chapter today, CIWiL AB's journey reflects the resilience, vision, and sisterly determination of women leaders in Antigua and Barbuda.
CIWiL Regional Network Founded
Caribbean Women In Leadership is conceptualised by women who understood that women were being marginalised from decision making processes despite their many contributions across the region.
Regional Expansion
CIWiL expands across the Caribbean, establishing national chapters and building a regional network of women leaders and advocates committed to gender equity.
CIWiL AB Chapter Established
The Antigua and Barbuda chapter of CIWiL is formally established, bringing the regional network's mission home, growing membership, and launching local advocacy campaigns and leadership training.
Leadership Support Programme
CIWiL AB hosts a landmark training workshop for women candidates and leaders, preparing them to participate more effectively in political processes across Antigua and Barbuda.
Fempreneur Fund Launched
CIWiL AB launches the Fempreneur Fund to provide financial support and recognition to aspiring female entrepreneurs, championing women in business across Antigua and Barbuda.
New Executive Team Elected
A new executive team is elected in 2025, bringing fresh energy and commitment to advancing women's leadership, political participation, and gender equity across Antigua and Barbuda.
Our Structure
Standing Committees
CIWiLAB's work is carried out through seven standing committees, each focused on a key area of our mission. Click any committee card to learn more.
Fundraiser
Click to learn more →Health & Wellness
Click to learn more →Social & Membership
Click to learn more →Marketing
Click to learn more →YouTube Channel
Click to learn more →Newsletter
Click to learn more →Executive
Click to learn more →Celebrating Our Winners
The Fempreneur Fund supports and celebrates aspiring female entrepreneurs across Antigua and Barbuda. 2025 & 2024 recipients below.
presented by CIWiL AB executives and members, 4th September 2025.
Gayno Samuel
Gayno Samuel, founder of Suga Pan Site, was named the 2025 recipient of the CIWiL AB Fempreneur Fund — a prestigious award that recognises and financially supports outstanding female entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda.
Her entrepreneurial drive, creative vision, and commitment to building a thriving business in her community made her the standout choice, embodying the spirit of enterprise and female leadership that CIWiL AB champions.
Fempreneur Fund 2026
3rd Cohort
Are you a female entrepreneur in Antigua & Barbuda with a vision to grow your business? The CIWiL AB Fempreneur Fund is calling you! Apply online for annual funding, support, and training — open to all female entrepreneurs across Antigua and Barbuda.
Our Executive Team
CIWiL Antigua & Barbuda is proudly led by a dedicated team of women committed to advancing gender equality and women's leadership.
Elected in 2025 · As reported by Observer Media, Antigua
Marian Hesse-Merchant
Leading the chapter's vision, strategy, and advocacy for women's leadership across Antigua and Barbuda.
Priscilla Joseph
Supporting the Chair in overseeing chapter operations, member engagement, and programme delivery.
Abena St. Luce
Managing official correspondence, minutes, records, and administrative affairs of the chapter.
Marver Woodley
Managing public outreach, social media presence, and the chapter's communications strategy.
Alecia Cherubin
Overseeing financial management, budgeting, reporting, and accountability for all chapter funds.
📰 Executive team as reported by Observer Media Antigua | Visit the Observer Antigua website for the full article on CIWiL AB's newly elected executive.
Our Events & Moments
From panel discussions and parliamentary immersions to intimate gatherings and networking nights — CIWiL AB shows up, shows out, and lifts every woman in the room.
Women Leading the Conversation
CIWiL AB hosts powerful panel discussions, placing women's voices front and centre on the issues that matter most.
Representing with Pride
CIWiL AB members proudly representing the chapter at a regional leadership event.
Stronger Together
Every gathering of CIWiL AB women is a testament to the power of collective leadership and shared purpose.
Under the Caribbean Sky
An intimate evening gathering where women share stories, strategies, and sisterhood.
Women of Vision
Three CIWiL AB leaders celebrating the intersection of culture, art, and women's leadership.
Joy & Sisterhood
The smiles say it all — CIWiL AB women celebrating each other and the movement they are building together.
Her Voice, Her Power
A CIWiL AB member takes the floor, commanding attention and inspiring the crowd with her leadership.
Warm Caribbean Welcome
Every CIWiL AB event opens with warmth — because sisterhood begins the moment you walk through the door.
Connections That Last
An outdoor networking evening where CIWiL AB women forge the partnerships, friendships, and alliances that carry the movement forward.
Want to be part of the next event?
Get in Touch
Contact CIWiLAB
Whether you want to join, partner with us, attend an event, or simply learn more, we would love to hear from you.
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