NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of Social Services the Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, and Wife of the Prime Minister (Office of the Spouse) Patricia Minnis joined a wide cross-section of Bahamian female political and government officials in honouring seven female political "firsts", at a ceremony, held at St. Joseph's Church Hall on February 24, 2020. 

The Women United Political Subcommittee, in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development's Department of Gender and Family Affairs, held a Summit for Women under the theme: "She Ready: Women Arise !"  The Honouring Ceremony was a part of Session I of the event. 

The honourees were as follows: 

First Female Leader of the Official Opposition Loretta Butler Turner

First Female Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia "Mother" Pratt

First Female Member of Parliament and First Female Attorney General Dame the Right Hon. Janet Bostwick

First Female Speaker of the House Rome Italia Johnson

First Female Chairman of a Political Party, Englerston Member of Parliament Glenys Hanna Martin

First Female Registered to Vote Rubyann Cooper-Darling

First Female Leader of a Political Party S. Ali McIntosh.

Among those present for the the Honouring Ceremony were MICAL Member of Parliament and Chair of the Education Loan Authority Miriam Emmanuel; Senate President the Hon. Dr. Mildred Hall-Watson; Senator the Hon. Sharon Ferguson-Knowles; Director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs Dr. Jacinta Higgs; Head of the Youth Division of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Sandena Neely; Wife of the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition Cecilia Cooper; Wife of the Speaker of the House of Assembly Kim Moultrie; Chairperson of Women United Prodesta Moore; Chair of the Women United Political Subcommittee Sharmie Farrington Austin; President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers Belinda Wilson; and a number of female political and civic leaders, including those who served as speakers for Session II.  (BIS Photos / Eric Rose)