Bahamian attorney and former Senator Heather Hunt meets with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson during a courtesy call at U.S. Embassy Nassau.
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Bahamian Attorney Participates in State Department Sponsored Exchange Focused on Women in Politics
Nassau, Bahamas - On
Friday, January 23, Bahamian attorney and former Senator Heather Hunt
paid a courtesy call on U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson to discuss
her recent participation in the U.S. State Department
sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program focused on “Women in
the Political and Social Sectors” held in the United States from
October 20 – November 7, 2014.
The three-week program examined U.S.
experience in supporting women’s contributions to
the workplace and public life. Participants visited several U.S.
cities including Washington, D.C., New York City, Detroit, Sacramento
and San Francisco. During the trip, the group examined private sector,
local, state and federal government initiatives
and programs that encourage women’s political participation and
representation in public office. Participants also explored and
evaluated public and private sector strategies to increase women’s
access to education, economic opportunities and health care.
During
her meeting with Chargé Johnson, Ms. Hunt discussed the impact of the
professional exchange, “I was particularly pleased to learn about
various programs in these cities which focus
on promoting women in leadership, mentoring and education of girls and
other issues such as gender based violence. The connections I made and
knowledge gained will no doubt assist me greatly here at home as I
continue in public service.”
Ms.
Hunt noted that she will continue to pursue her aspirations of becoming
a parliamentarian after having served as a senator for the Opposition
Free National Movement (FNM). She added that
her goals not only include advancement in the political arena, but also
making positive contributions in nation building specifically focused
on advancing issues that affect women.
To continue the dialogue on
women in politics, the American Corner will partner
with Ms. Hunt to facilitate a workshop focused on “Setting the Course
for Equal Participation by Women in Bahamian Politics.” The event is
scheduled for
March 31, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the Harry C. Moore Library at the College of The Bahamas. Admission is free
and open to the general public.