The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) convened its second CTU Network of Women (CTU-NoW) Leadership Seminar, bringing together women leaders, policymakers, regulators and digital-sector stakeholders to examine the role of women in shaping the Caribbean’s digital future.
The Leadership Seminar formed part of CTU ICT Week 2026, which brought regional and international stakeholders together in French Guiana from 20th – 24th September.
Held under the theme “Women Leading Resilient, Inclusive and Innovative Caribbean Digital Development,” the Seminar placed women’s leadership, influence and participation at the centre of discussions on digital transformation.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Maria Myers-Hamilton, Chair of CTU-NoW, underscored the importance of ensuring that women are not only participants in digital transformation, but are positioned to shape its direction.
“The Caribbean’s digital transformation must be shaped by the full breadth of the region’s talent and leadership. Women must have a meaningful place at the decision-making table — not simply as participants, but as leaders helping to define the policies, technologies and opportunities that will shape our digital future.”
The programme featured contributions from regional and international leaders, including Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau; Hon. Marie-Lucienne Rattier, Territorial Councillor of the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane; and Her Worship Sandra Trochimara, Mayor of Cayenne who delivered the feature address.
The Mayor’s feature address, “Women at the Forefront of Caribbean Digital Transformation,” highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in advancing digital development and ensuring that the region’s transformation reflects the perspectives and experiences of women across the Caribbean.
A panel discussion on “Women Shaping the Caribbean’s Digital Future: Leadership, Policy and Global Influence”, moderated by Nicole Watkins, Vice Chair of CTU-NoW, examined women’s representation at decision-making tables, digital policy leadership, resilience and digital trust, as well as opportunities for stronger regional and international collaboration.
Watkins also moderated the discussion on “From Participation to Leadership: Building the Caribbean’s Future Digital Workforce,” which explored the skills women will need to compete and lead in an AI-driven economy, the development of women entrepreneurs and technology founders, the importance of engaging girls and young women in ICT and STEM, and opportunities for women from rural, remote and underserved communities.
“Moving from participation to leadership requires more than opening doors; it requires creating pathways through which women and girls can develop the skills, networks and confidence to lead,” said Nicole Watkins, Vice Chair of CTU-NoW. “Our regional digital future will be stronger when women are equipped to shape it, from policy and regulation to entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.”
The programme also featured a presentation on SHEields of the Caribbean, a regional initiative focused on highlighting women’s contributions and strengthening their leadership pathways, alongside discussions on leadership, policy, digital trust and the evolving role of women in the digital sector.
The Seminar concluded with a focus on next steps, reinforcing the importance of sustained collaboration and regional networks in advancing women’s leadership across the Caribbean digital ecosystem.
Through CTU-NoW, the CTU continues to provide a regional platform for women to connect, exchange knowledge and add value to discussions shaping Caribbean digital development.
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