Valerie Woods was first appointed to the National Assembly of Belize as a Senator from 2016 to 2019. She was then elected in December 2020 as the Speaker of the Belize House of Representatives.

She is currently in her last year as the Chairperson of the Regional Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) for the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region which ends at the 67th CPC. She served as the Vice-Chairperson of the CWP Steering Committee for 2022-2024 and served as the Acting Chairperson for the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in 2022.

Since being the Speaker of the House of Representatives, she has pursued professional development studies in parliamentary service through the CPA Parliamentary Academy and Gender Studies through the Caribbean Institute in Gender and Development through UWI.

As the Speaker, she has been a lead facilitator on the CPA’s Administrative Review of the Parliament and on the proposed draft changes to the Standing Orders.

Michael Galea is a first-term Member of the Victorian Parliament, having being elected in 2022. Prior to Parliament he worked as an union organiser representing retail workers. A cisgender gay man, he represents the Minister for Equality on multiple LGBTIQA+ taskforce working groups. A frequent contributor in Parliamentary debates, he has also served on numerous Parliamentary Committees, including Public Accounts and Estimates, Legal and Social Issues and Select Committees into Victoria’s Commonwealth Games bid and Native Bird Hunting practices. Michael views Parliament as being most effective when it represents people from a wide range of backgrounds, so it can make decisions that best support all of the communities that Parliament represent.

As the Leader of the Cook Islands Opposition, Hon. Tina Browne has made history and rewritten it with her indomitable spirit and wit. Hailing from the picturesque Cook Islands, she has shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first female Leader of a political party in the nation's storied history. However, her achievements don't stop there – she also is the first female homegrown Cook Islander lawyer, a feat that exemplifies her brilliance and trailblazing nature.

Her journey to leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary. Armed with a razor-sharp mind and a compassionate heart, she has navigated the often-tumultuous waters of politics with flair and finesse. Her ability to strike a diplomatic balance while passionately championing women's rights and equality has earned her accolades from all corners of society.

Beyond her legal prowess and political acumen, Browne's engaging charisma and quick-witted humor have captivated audiences far and wide. With a keen ability to find common ground and build bridges, she has united people from diverse backgrounds, transcending partisan lines with her magnetic personality.

Hon. Tina Browne's story promises to ignite inspiration and a spark of empowerment. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring female leaders, reminding them that no obstacle is impossible and no challenge is too great. Her legacy is one of progress, courage and a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around her.

As the Leader of the Opposition, she continues to redefine the boundaries of what's possible with a touch of wit and a heart full of determination. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength within each of us. Let her story inspire women everywhere, urging them to rise, lead, and conquer new frontiers with unbridled confidence and grace.

Hon. Tina Browne can be contacted through her official website: www.tinabrownemp.com 

Kathryn Johnson is a Policy Specialist with the HIV and Health Group at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub. Kathryn works closely with UNDP Country Offices on HIV, human rights, law and gender issues. With a strong legal background and extensive experience in partnering with both governments and non-governmental organisations, she has played a key role in advancing legislative and policy reforms across national, regional and international levels.