Since its launch in March 2026, the UK Overseas Territories’ (OTs) Women Parliamentarians Network has been bringing together women parliamentarians from across the Territories to connect, collaborate, and support one another.

Created as a safe and supportive forum, the Network enables members to discuss challenges in political life, share experiences, identify barriers, and exchange ideas for addressing issues faced by women in parliamentary roles.

In its first six months, members elected Hon. Akierra Missick (Turks and Caicos Islands) as Chair and Hon. Joelle Ladislaus (Gibraltar) as Vice Chair. Under their leadership, regular meetings have provided valuable opportunities for discussion, learning, and mutual support.

The Network meets every six to eight weeks and has agreed priority topics for discussion. Members work together through a living action plan that promotes engagement and collaboration in addressing shared challenges. The group will also benefit from contributions from experts within and beyond the parliamentary sphere, drawing on internal and external knowledge and experience to strengthen its impact.

By joining the UK Overseas Territories’ Women Parliamentarians Network, members become part of a growing community of OT women parliamentarians committed to supporting, mentoring, and empowering women in public life. Whether a member is seeking advice, wishing to share experiences, or looking to help shape solutions to shared challenges, participation can make a real difference. A key area of interest is to strengthen women's participation in politics by promoting mentorship, encouraging future generations, particularly young women, to seek elected office.

Every woman parliamentarian has valuable insights and experiences to contribute. Together, we can strengthen women's representation, inspire the next generation of leaders, and create a more inclusive and supportive political environment across the Overseas Territories. All women parliamentarians are eligible and warmly encouraged to join the Network and play an active role in its future success.

In the words of Chair Hon. Akierra Missick, "Serving as Chair of the UK Overseas Territories' Women Parliamentarians Network has reinforced the importance of creating spaces where women can learn from one another, share experiences, and build meaningful connections. Across our Territories, women are making significant contributions to public life, and this Network provides an opportunity to amplify those voices while supporting the next generation of leaders. Through collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support, we are helping to shape a stronger future for women in politics across the Overseas Territories."

Hon. Akierra Missick, Chair of the UK Overseas Territories' Women Parliamentarians Network