Catalysts for Change is a web-based resource portal created to serve as a focal point for discussion and dissemination of information on strengthening the political participation of women in the Caribbean region. The portal is a product of the joint UNDP and UNIFEM project “Gender Mainstreaming: Strengthening the Participation of Women in Politics in Caribbean Political and Parliamentary Processes.” The portal provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen the network of women in politics, governance and decision-making.

The portal provides access to:

• A database of information and networks that support women's political participation in the Caribbean region.

• News articles and current events and activities related to women’s political participation in the Caribbean.

• An annotated bibliography of books, papers and documents on women and political participation in the Caribbean.

• A Discussion Forum facility that allows for an exchange of ideas and information among website visitors on topics related to women’s political participation.

• Links to other selected resources on women's participation in  parliamentary and political process.

The joint UNDP and UNIFEM project will include the following activities:

• Networking and Advocacy activities.

• Training on gender-sensitive policymaking.

• Research and assessment of past and present projects on women’s political participation.

Women’s Political Participation at a Glance

Women’s Representation in Parliament in the Caribbean in 2004

COUNTRY	Total % of Women in Both Lower and Upper Houses
Antigua & Barbuda	11.8
The Bahamas	20.0
Barbados	19.6
Belize	8.1
Cuba	36.0
Dominica	18.8
Dominican Republic	15.4
Grenada	28.6
Guyana	20.0
Haiti	9.1
Jamaica	13.6
St. Lucia	20.7
St. Kitts/Nevis	0
St. Vincent & The Grenadines	22.7
Suriname	17.6
Trinidad & Tobago	14.9

Sources: Information from the Inter-Parliamentary Union website (www.ipu.org) and National Women’s Machineries in the Caribbean