Raising our voices: My journey at the XVI Regional Conference on Women

“Care is not a luxury—it is the foundation of equality.” Those words still echo in my heart when I think back to my time at the XVI Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean. What began as a formal meeting of policymakers quickly became a life-changing experience—one where young girls like me stood at the frontlines, demanding a fairer, more inclusive future.

When the Screen Went Dark
On the very first day, technology failed us. The presentation screen blinked to black, leaving ten adolescent girls, myself included, standing before a room full of leaders. No slides, no notes—just our voices. For a brief moment, the silence was heavy. But then courage rose. We spoke about our priorities, our safety and our dreams for a better region. In that moment, I realized: sometimes power is born in the unscripted.

Building a Society of Care
The days that followed were filled with learning and anticipation. At the Feminist Forum, I joined a dialogue on care work and cultural change. I shared my conviction that if we truly want lasting change, our conversations must be inclusive. While it is vital to advocate for a better care society for women through education, policies and awareness, we cannot stop there. Men and boys must also be part of the dialogue. When they are included, our voices are more likely to be taken seriously. Breaking down gender stereotypes and engaging men—who are often at the forefront of policymaking—is essential to building a society of care that works for everyone.

When all groups reconvened after the concurrent sessions, my point was carried forward and presented as the main takeaway from our discussion. It was deeply affirming to know that my perspective had resonated with my peers and was amplified in front of the wider gathering.

Standing on the Global Stage
Then came the moment we had been preparing for: our side event. We had the privilege of meeting Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and other influential leaders. But the true highlight was stepping up to the microphone ourselves. We didn’t just share stories—we issued demands. We spoke of girls denied opportunities, of families struggling without adequate care systems and of the urgent need for governments to act now. To see UNICEF’s Regional Director lean in, genuinely listening, affirmed that our words carried weight.

Bonds Beyond Borders
Between ceremonies and speeches, there were unforgettable human connections. I shared conversations with women leaders from Jamaica, Grenada and St. Lucia, each one offering encouragement that felt like passing a torch. I laughed and dreamed alongside youth leaders from Trinidad and Tobago, realizing that across languages and islands, our hopes are the same. Farewell dinners were bittersweet—equal parts gratitude for what we achieved and sadness that the week was ending.

Demands, Not Requests
The final day was mine alone—a moment I will never forget. As the youngest delegate and the first girl from St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean to stand at this historic conference, I carried with me not just my own hopes but the voices of more than 56,000 young people across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Standing before a vast gathering of leaders, I spoke as their voice: calling not for favors but for action. Our message was clear—we came with demands.

The Five Demands We Raised

• A Public Care System for All – a rights-based framework ensuring accessible, high-quality support for every caregiver.
• Fair Employment Policies – paid leave and shared responsibility shared by governments, employers, communities and families.
• Support for Adolescent Mothers – welfare, education continuity and healthcare access, because motherhood should not end opportunity.
• Education for Equality – training, early action against gender stereotypes and comprehensive sex education.
• Youth in Politics – real decision-making power for adolescent girls because our voices shape the future.

As these demands were voiced, I felt the room lean in. Leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Haiti and beyond rallied behind us, reminding me that when young voices rise, the region listens. That day, I was not just speaking for myself—I was speaking for a generation determined to make care fair.

Carrying It Forward
I returned home different. Stronger. More determined. I learned that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about gratitude for the platform you’ve been given and the courage to use it boldly.

This experience was also filled with many firsts—my first flight, my first global forum and my first time standing as the youngest delegate and the first girl from St. Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean at this conference. Each “first” reminded me that stepping into new spaces with courage is how we break barriers and create space for others to follow.

To every girl reading this: your voice matters. Don’t silence it, don’t shrink it and don’t wait for permission to use it.

Because if care is fair, the future is ours.