Senator the Honourable Gloria Ann Thomas, Minister for Social and Community Development, has been elected Vice President of the Steering Committee of the Inter-American Commission of Women at the 40th Assembly of Delegates, held from 28–29 May 2026 in Washington, DC.
This achievement represents a significant milestone for Grenada, marking the country’s return to the leadership of the Commission after more than 4 decades. Historical records indicate that the last time Grenada held a position on the Committee was during the period 1979–1983.
The Assembly of Delegates is the highest decision-making body of the Inter-American Commission of Women and convenes every 3 years. During the assembly, women ministers and senior government officials responsible for women’s affairs from member states of the Organisation of American States (OAS) deliberate on priorities affecting women across the hemisphere, adopt strategic plans, and elect the Commission’s Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee comprises 9 members: a president, 3 vice presidents, and 5 elected members. Grenada was the only Caribbean nation to submit credentials for a Vice President position. Four countries contested the 3 vice president posts: Grenada, Canada, Honduras, and Paraguay.
Following the voting process, Grenada secured the highest number of votes, receiving 27 votes, followed by Canada with 23 votes, Paraguay with 22 votes and Honduras with 19 votes, thereby earning one of the 3 vice president positions.
The nomination and subsequent election of Grenada’s representative to the Steering Committee strategically positions the country at the forefront of hemispheric discussions on women’s economic empowerment, digital transformation, gender equality, labour inclusion, and social development. The appointment provides an important platform for Grenada to elevate national priorities within regional and international policy discussions, contribute to the development of gender-responsive frameworks, and strengthen collaboration with member states and development partners across the Americas.
This accomplishment also reflects Grenada’s growing leadership in advancing women’s rights and gender equality and reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of Small Island Developing States are represented in regional and international decision-making processes.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development
