SKN teen makes her voice heard on global stage

When 15-year-old Ajernee Hodge stepped up to the mic in Mexico City, she wasn’t just speaking for herself. She was carrying the voices of adolescent girls across the Eastern Caribbean, including right here in St Kitts and Nevis.

At the 16th Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ajernee laid it out clearly: gender stereotypes need to go, young people must be part of real decision-making, and girls deserve a fairer shot at life.

Her message hit on a tough reality—too many girls are losing out on opportunities to learn and grow because of unpaid care work. Statistics show adolescent girls spend about seven more hours per week than boys doing domestic and caregiving tasks. That’s seven hours less for schoolwork, hobbies, or just being a teenager.

By raising her voice on such a big stage, Ajernee reminded leaders and policymakers that change isn’t optional—it’s urgent. Every child has the right to be heard and to enjoy equal chances to succeed.