• Nomination proposed by: Hon. Celiwe Qhamkile Madlopha, MPL (CPA KwaZulu-Natal Branch)
• Nomination seconded by: Hon. Hlengiwe Goodness Slindile Mavimbela, MPL (CPA KwaZulu-Natal Branch)

Biography: Hon. Nontembeko Nothemba Boyce, MPL (CPA KwaZulu-Natal Branch)

Hon. Nontembeko Nothemba Boyce is a gender and diversity activist and former teacher and trade unionist, who is the current Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, a sub-national branch of South Africa.

Became Member of the Legislature in 2014 and was Deputy Chief (later Chief) Whip of her party, the ANC and was elected Speaker in 2019-2024 term.

She holds a Teacher’s Diploma, BTech in Education Management, Advanced Certificate in Leadership, Post Graduate Diploma in Governance, Master of Management in Governance, currently pursuing PhD at Witwatersrand University.

Hon. Nontembeko Nothemba Boyce:

• has led in the women’s wing of her political party.
• attended 5 Regional AGMs between 2017 and 2024, 5 CPCs.
• served as Chairperson of Commonwealth Project Advisory Group representing the CPA.
• is a member of the CPA Africa Region Budget and Finance Sub-Committee.
• has facilitated in the CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency and CPA Post-Election Seminar in Zambia.

• Nomination proposed by: Hon. Stephen Price, MLA (CPA Western Australia Branch)
• Nomination seconded by: Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC (CPA New South Wales Branch)

Biography: Hon. Kate Doust, MLC (CPA Western Australia Branch)

• Member of Western Australia Legislative Council since 2001; re-elected in 2005, 2008, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.
• President of the Western Australia Legislative Council (2017–2021); first woman to hold the role.
• Deputy Chair of Committees (2001–2005).
• Parliamentary Secretary roles (2005–2008) across portfolios including Women’s Interests, Planning, Commerce and State Development.
• Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council (2008–2017).
• Shadow Ministerial roles covering Energy, Commerce, Industrial Relations, Small Business, ICT, Trade and Electoral Affairs.
• Chair of Procedure and Privileges, Uniform Legislation and Public Administration Committees.
• Member of Select Committees on Child Advocacy and Parliamentary Privilege.
• Member and former Chair of the Parliamentary Superannuation Board and Services Committees.
• Inaugural CPA Parliamentarian of the Year Award in 2022, Australia Region CWP Chair, CWP Vice-Chair (2023–2025).
• Bachelor of Arts (UWA), Master of Bioethics (ND), currently enrolled in Graduate Certificate Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (ND).

• Nomination proposed by: Hon. Donna Skelly, MPP (CPA Ontario Branch)
• Nomination seconded by: Hon. Susan Leblanc, MLA (CPA Nova Scotia Branch)

Biography: Hon. Catherine Fife, MPP (CPA Ontario Branch)

I respectfully submit my name for Chair of the CWP.

Over the past 13 years as an MPP in Canada, I have served in several leadership positions in Parliament, including chairing Public Accounts, Caucus, Provincial and National Organisations.

I value cross-party collaboration. I currently chair the Advisory Council on Tariff Response and Economic Security, which involves extensive stakeholder outreach and legislative research.

The empowerment of women in our respective democracies is key to ensuring the success of our nations. This work must be intentional and collaborative. A good example is Canada’s work on 'She Should Run', an election campaign support tool. Our democracy only stands to benefit from the unique perspectives and lived experiences that women bring to leadership.

Finally, I have a proven track record of effective media communication. I care deeply about strengthening our democracies and would welcome the opportunity to support our shared Commonwealth goals.

• Nomination proposed by: Hon. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MP (CPA Maldives Branch)
• Nomination seconded by: Hon. Ahmed Nazim, MP (CPA Maldives Branch)

Biography: Hon. Fathimath Sauda, MP (CPA Maldives Branch)

Fathimath Sauda is a Maldivian Member of Parliament representing Nilandhoo Constituency for the 2024–2029 term.

She currently chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Gender and serves as a member on the Committees on Social Affairs and Committee on Decentralization.

Internationally, she represents the Asia-Pacific Group on the IPU Standing Committee on Peace and International Security. She is also a former member of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians from the Asia-Pacific region.

Sauda holds a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Coventry University, UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and English from the University of Mysore, India.

Prior to joining Parliament, she held key positions in the health and gender sectors, including as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Health. She has also lectured at various higher education institutions, contributing to the development of social and human capital in The Maldives.

• Nomination proposed by: Hon. Valerie Woods, MNA (CPA Belize Branch)
• Nomination seconded by: Hon. Lanein Blanchette, MP (CPA St Kitts and Nevis Branch)

Biography: Senator Hon. Alincia Williams-Grant (CPA Antigua and Barbuda Branch)

Senator Hon. Alincia T. H. Williams Grant is the President of the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda and the youngest woman to hold this position in her country’s history.

A committed public servant and attorney with over 25 years of experience, she brings a wealth of legal, parliamentary and gender advocacy leadership to the role.

Senator Williams Grant has spearheaded acclaimed transformative initiatives to engage women and girls in political life, including The President’s 10, Young Women in Leadership, and the Parliamentary Gender Caucus.

She currently serves as Antigua & Barbuda’s Principal Delegate to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women and chairs the CiWiL’s Regional Nomination Committee. A former Board Member of ParlAmericas, she is deeply committed to promoting inclusive governance.

Her proven leadership, regional and international collaboration, and strong advocacy for gender equality make her a compelling and capable candidate to serve as Chairperson of the CWP.