Democratic Labour Party Defended by Democratic League of Women Amid Resignations: An Overview

As the Democratic Labour Party faces accusations of misogyny following the resignations of three prominent female members, a group of women within the party has come out strongly in defence of the DLP.

In a statement released late Tuesday, the Democratic League of Women refuted claims that the party sidelines or shows contempt for women, insisting that the DLP has a “proud track record of improving the lives of women”.

The group’s statement comes in the wake of resignations by former Senator Tricia Watson, former parliamentary secretary and senator Irene Sandiford-Garner, and Stacia Browne who led the women’s league, following a chaotic party conference held recently.

While the women were not named in the statement, the Democratic League of Women addressed their resignations and the developments at the conference, describing the events as “a deliberate state of disorder aimed at destabilising the organisation’s legitimate authority”.

The group claimed that this disruption was orchestrated by two expelled male members and was condoned by female members of the party who “ought to know better”. The league pointed out that two of the three women had been members for less than three years and had assumed leadership roles in the party despite having limited knowledge of the organisation.

“There will be more resignations,” the statement read. “Actions have consequences, no matter the gender or social standing of those involved. We subscribe to the rule of law. Despite obvious transgressions, attempts are now being made to blame the institution and to paint it as misogynistic. . . We reject these assertions and repeat–actions have consequences no matter the persons involved.”

The Democratic League of Women insisted that while some may focus on the grievances of the departing members, the DLP does not sideline or show contempt for women. The group pointed to the party’s historical achievements in elevating women to leadership positions and enacting legislation that has significantly benefited women and families across the nation.

“We in the Democratic Labour Party refuse to accept the label that the party we love and support is misogynistic,” the statement continued. “We reflect, with pride, on the many women who were afforded the opportunity to serve at higher levels nationally and the many who, though unsuccessful at the polls, offered themselves to be representatives of the people.”

The statement highlighted several prominent women who have served the DLP and the country, including Hazeline Odessa Gittens, the first woman appointed to the Senate and as a parliamentary secretary; Gertrude Eastmond, the second woman elected to Parliament; Sybil Leacock, the nation’s second female senator; former St John MP Mara Thompson; and Kerryann Ifill, the first woman president of the Senate.