A shout-out from Caribbean UN Volunteers: "We are SIDS women!"

“I consider myself a SIDS woman. What is more rewarding than working for the sustainable development of your country and its people? We have creative ideas and the world can really benefit from our learning, our competencies. I got an opportunity to widen my exposure, get an international perspective, and I bring new skills and the global context back to Small Islands and Developing States,” says Wendy Elliott Williams, former UN Expert Volunteer who served as Programme Officer for UNICEF in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean are on the forefront of multiple global crises, especially those related to climate change and weather-related disasters. Partnerships and local-level solutions are key for building resilience. Women play a crucial role in this process.  

Meet Wendy, Junie and Priyanka. Three women who decided to put their knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the work of the United Nations in the Caribbean. They signed up to serve as UN Volunteers, which is a Full-time commitment.

CHAMPIONING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Wendy Williams is a multidisciplinary professional from Saint Kitts and Nevis with academic degrees in Chemistry, Zoology, Law, Theology, and Maritime Coastal Resource Management. With international experiences in Barbados, Jamaica, Australia, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom, she recently served as a UN Expert Volunteer with UNICEF ECA (Eastern Caribbean Region). 

UN Volunteers are professionals with a great sense of commitment. “If you’re really interested in the cause, then it's your passion that motivates you to make an impact. I feel rewarded and grateful.”

MEET WENDY

“I was the Programme Coordinator in St. Kitts and Nevis, which meant that I had to support nationally and concurrently, regional UNICEF ECA’s programmes on a wide range of issues including Child Protection, Social Protection and Social Policy, Climate and Emergency Preparedness, Youth Engagement and Social Behaviour Change.” 

“My greatest contributions to UNICEF include improving the effectiveness of UNICEF ECA programmes, building local awareness about UNICEF’s work, increasing the number of U-Reports* from 20 to 650, and, convening two Youth Summits on the Sustainable Development Goals, the results of which were included in the country’s Voluntary National Report. I also managed Youth Climate and Disaster Engagement Events.” 

WOMEN WORKING FOR WOMEN

Thirty-year old Junie Samantha Pierre, holding an Administration degree is a journalist and an advocate for the rights of women with disabilities,. As a UN Specialist Volunteer serving with UN Women in Haiti, she provides administrative support to the Government/ Law state/ Justice department and focuses on a project that monitors and prevents political and electoral violence against women.

As a woman living with a disability herself, Junie ensures that the electoral process is inclusive and accessible.

MEET JUNIE

“I don’t see women with disabilities just as people who have the right to vote, but as individuals capable of fully living their citizenship, including actively participating as candidates in electoral processes.”  

“I provide administrative and financial support to the Programme team. I develop activities, write reports, prepare presentations and recommendation papers. I also proposed and facilitated the sign language interpretation for three key activities for the first time within the office. This allowed women with hearing disabilities to access the much needed information.” 

Being a UN Volunteer means working with a purpose. “This opportunity with the UN builds upon my advocacy for human rights. It allows me to continue working for women’s autonomy, but at a greater scale and within an international organization.” 

STRENGTHENING DATA AND EVIDENCE

Twenty-three-year old Priyanka Mais is Jamaican, well educated with professional experience in international relations, political leadership and strategic management. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development while she serves as a Data and Economics Assistant UN Youth Volunteer within the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Jamaica.

MEET PRIYANKA

“By the end of my tenure, I would have co-authored several Jamaican Economy Panel (JEP) discussion papers, which amplify awareness of critical socio-economic issues in the country. Also, I've have co-headed the development of a comprehensive data strategy, which serves as foundation for efficient data management over the next two years. For the annual UN Youth Partnership Forum in Jamaica, I supported the management of innovation hubs and co-designed a meaningful interaction between youth and UN partner organizations.” 

“As a Caribbean woman, I am deeply interested in the empowerment of other women. In my role as a UN Volunteer, I try to promote and mainstream gender equality across all areas of my work. For example, while writing for one of the JEP discussions, I assessed trends in youth unemployment from 2015 and their impact across gender.” 

THE PROMISE OF AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

“As a Jamaican, contributing to the sustainable development of my country is more of a personal commitment, more than just a profession. I have great sense of duty and dedication to apply my knowledge and abilities to further my country, and it is an honour to work towards sustainable development here at the United Nations in Jamaica,” says Priyanka Mais, UN Youth Volunteer.

In the Caribbean, there are currently over 50 women professionals serving as UN Volunteers with several UN agencies. There is room to grow. Building on women’s knowledge and experiences brings the promise of an inclusive, equitable and sustainable Caribbean. 

FOOTNOTES*U-Report is a UNICEF programme designed to empower youth and adolescents, motivating them to share their vision on the problems facing their communities and countries. Via free, anonymous, and accessible digital tools such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, or Telegram, participants answer surveys and provide opinions on different topics.

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This story was first published by UN Volunteers.