31 Trailblazing Women in 31 Days: Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, Rose-Marie Belle Antoine and Desiree Bernard
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating some fearless, game-changing Caribbean women who have made an indelible mark on history, culture, and society. Every day in March, we’ll spotlight one extraordinary woman—sharing her story, achievements, and lasting impact. From pioneers in politics and science to icons in the arts and activism, join us as we honor 31 trailblazing women in 31 days! Today, some amazing women in politics.
The Remarkable Story of Dame Mary Eugenia Charles
Country of Origin: Dominica
Dame Eugenia Charles was the first female prime minister of Dominica and the first woman to hold such a position in the English-speaking Caribbean. From 1980 to 1995, she led her country through difficult times, earning the nickname “Iron Lady of the Caribbean.”
Born in 1919 in Pointe Michel, Dominica, Eugenia Charles grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. Her father was a wealthy landowner, and she studied law at the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics. At a time when few women became lawyers, she broke barriers and became a voice for justice.
Charles entered politics because she wanted to fight corruption and protect democracy. In the 1970s, Dominica was struggling under a leader who was accused of being unfair and dishonest. Charles led protests that helped remove him from power. In 1980, she was elected Prime Minister in Dominica’s first free elections after independence.
As leader, Charles focused on fixing the economy and keeping her country stable. She helped bring in foreign aid and improve roads and services. In 1981, when a group of mercenaries tried to take over Dominica, she asked the U.S. for help and stopped the attack. She also worked closely with other Caribbean countries to strengthen the region.
Even though she was a powerful politician, Charles remained humble and dedicated to her people. She supported free speech and human rights. Her work was recognized with many honors, including the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
Dame Eugenia Charles showed that women could lead and make a difference. Her story is one of courage and service. As we celebrate her life, we encourage you to read about other amazing Caribbean women in this series.
A Legacy in Law and Human Rights: Dr. Rose-Marie Belle Antoine
Country of Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Rose-Marie Belle Antoine is a leading Caribbean lawyer, professor, and advocate for social justice. She has worked tirelessly to improve human rights, labor laws, and gender equality across the region. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Antoine’s influence extends throughout the Caribbean, shaping policies that protect the rights of workers, women, and marginalized groups.
From an early age, Dr. Antoine was drawn to education and justice. She earned her law degree at The University of the West Indies (UWI) and went on to complete advanced studies at prestigious institutions, including Oxford University, where she was a Commonwealth Scholar. Her academic success opened doors for her to become a legal expert in international human rights and labor law.
Throughout her career, Dr. Antoine has served in various high-profile roles, including as a commissioner and later president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. She has advised multiple Caribbean governments on critical legal matters, particularly in shaping laws on anti-discrimination, employment rights, and justice reform. Her work played a key role in drafting progressive labor laws that improved conditions for workers across the region.
One of her most notable contributions was her leadership in the groundbreaking Caribbean HIV/AIDS legal framework, which helped protect the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. She also played a vital role in policy changes that secured stronger legal protections for women facing workplace discrimination and domestic violence.
Dr. Antoine’s contributions have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards, including the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence from UWI, and was appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UWI St. Augustine. Her impact on legal education and human rights continues to shape the future of Caribbean law and governance.
As we honor Dr. Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, we encourage you to explore the lives of other remarkable Caribbean women in this series. Share their stories and celebrate their achievements with others.
Pioneering Justice: Désirée Bernard
Country of Origin: Guyana
As the first female judge in Guyana and the first woman to be appointed to the Caribbean Court of Justice, Désirée Bernard has spent decades ensuring justice for all, especially women and marginalized communities. Her leadership has strengthened the legal systems of the Caribbean, setting a standard for future generations.
Born in 1939 in British Guiana (now Guyana), Bernard excelled in her studies, earning her law degree from the University of London. She became the first female judge in Guyana’s High Court and later served as Chancellor of the Judiciary, the highest judicial position in the country. Her appointment to such a prestigious role shattered barriers, proving that women could serve at the highest levels of the legal profession.
Throughout her career, Bernard championed women’s rights and social justice. She was instrumental in the formation of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges, an organization dedicated to increasing the presence of women in the legal system and advocating for gender-sensitive laws. She also played a crucial role in shaping policies that address domestic violence, child protection, and equal rights, influencing legal reform across the Caribbean.
Her influence extended beyond Guyana. As a judge on the Caribbean Court of Justice, she played a key role in shaping regional legal decisions, reinforcing the importance of fair legal practices. Her work also included advocating for human rights at an international level, with contributions to organizations such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Bernard’s remarkable career has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Order of Roraima, Guyana’s second-highest national award. Her contributions have paved the way for future generations of women in law, ensuring that justice remains an accessible and fair institution for all.
Désirée Bernard’s contributions to justice and equality continue to inspire. Her story reminds us of the power of determination and the importance of advocating for fairness. Explore the lives of other remarkable Caribbean women in this series and share their stories to celebrate their achievements.
