Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Honourable George-Massicote and Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley (centre) at the CPA Conference held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from October 5th to 12th. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

he Honourable Corine George-Massicote, Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, outlined a multi-faceted approach to address technology-facilitated violence against women in leadership during her role As the discussion leader in a workshop session at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference. Photo:Government of the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Corine George-Massicotepointed out that technology-facilitated violence against women in leadership is not merely a virtual problem but has real-world consequences during the conference. Government of the Virgin Islands.

The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), held in Barbados from October 5–12, 2025, brought together more than 500 parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and other decision-makers from across the Commonwealth. Over 100 legislatures were represented at the conference. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Along with other Members of the House, Honourable George-Massicote represented the Virgin Islands at the CPA Conference held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from October 5 to 12, 2025.

Discussion leader

As the discussion leader in a workshop session titled “Debate Not Hate: Rejecting Abuse as an Outcome of Free Speech", she pointed out that technology-facilitated violence against women in leadership is not merely a virtual problem but has real-world consequences.

Honourable George-Massicote proposed these key strategies to address this issue, ‘’First, it is crucial to empower women with digital literacy, privacy tools, and support networks, recognising that online safety is essential for equal participation. Second, legal frameworks must be updated to address the gendered nature of online abuse and to overcome jurisdictional barriers that hinder effective action. 

Third, it is important to restore control and amplify survivor voices, promoting empowerment and leadership by those who have experienced harm. 

Finally, parliaments and women’s caucuses need to take leadership by keeping technology-facilitated violence high on national agendas, advocating for stronger cyber laws and enforcement, holding social media platforms accountable, and providing resources for victim support and training for women MPs and public figures.”

Societies 'losing full benefit of women's voices'

The Speaker added that “Women often resign from leadership roles out of fear for their safety, and girls who witness online abuse directed at women leaders hesitate to enter public life. As a result, societies lose the full benefit of women’s voices in shaping policy and progress.”  technology-facilitated violence against women in leadership.

Opposition Member Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) also shared his experience at the conference, reflecting on the opening ceremony where he stood alongside the Honourable Speaker and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley. He described Prime Minister Mottley’s powerful and inspiring welcome address, which set the tone for meaningful dialogue among parliamentarians across the Commonwealth. 

Overall, the conference provided a valuable platform for the Virgin Islands Parliamentarians to collaborate, reflect, and strengthen their commitment to advancing good governance, sustainability, and equity throughout the Commonwealth.