Remarkable Woman – Dame Ruth Nita Barrow

A Pioneer in Healthcare and Diplomacy

Dame Ruth Nita Barrowwas appointed the first woman Governor General of Barbados on June 6, 1990, and served as Head of State until her passing on December 19,  1995.  Born  on November 15, 1916,

Nita Barrow came from a family of notable political activists. Her father, an Anglican priest, was removed from his post on the island of St. Croix due to his controversial sermons against racism and social stratification. Her uncle, Dr. Charles Duncan O'Neal, founded the Democratic League of Barbados and was one of the island’s ten National Heroes. Nita's younger brother, Errol Barrow, fought for the nation's independence and became Prime Minister of Barbados.

Nita Barrow paralleled her family's achievements with her activism and humanitarian efforts. She studied nursing in Barbados and continued her education at the University of Toronto, Edinburgh, and Columbia Universities. Beginning her career as a nurse, midwife, and healthcare administrator, she held various positions in Barbados and Jamaica. Barrow soon gained international acclaim as an accomplished public health official and diplomat.

Throughout her illustrious career, Barrow held several prestigious positions:

• Public health advisor to the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Health Organization

• President of the World YWCA (1975-83)

• President of the International Council of Adult Education (1982-90)

• President of the World Council of Churches (1983)

• Ambassador to the United Nations (1986-90)

In 1980, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Nita Barrow as Dame of St. Andrew and Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, thereafter known as Dame Ruth Nita Barrow. Known for her outspoken nature and commitment to development, she was especially concerned with women's rights in healthcare.

In 1985, Dame Nita presided over the International Women’s Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The following year, she was appointed Barbadian Ambassador to the United Nations, a post she held until 1990. Notably, she was the only woman named to the Eminent Persons Group, which investigated racism in South Africa. In 1988, Dame Nita ran against Argentina’s Foreign Minister Dante Caputo for the position of President of the UN General Assembly. Despite a fierce campaign and a historic secret ballot, she lost the election.

Dame Ruth Nita Barrow passed away from a stroke on December 19, 1995, at the age of 79. She is honored by numerous national and international initiatives and awards, including:

• The University of Toronto’s Dame Nita Barrow Distinguished Visitorship

• The Dame Nita Barrow Award sponsored by the International Council for Adult Education (ICAE)

• Caribbean Women Catalysts for Change lecture series

• The Nita Barrow Unit of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, University of the West Indies

Dame Ruth Nita Barrow's legacy lives on through her contributions to healthcare, diplomacy, and the empowerment of women.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nita_Barrow

The late Governor General of Barbados, Dame Nita Barrow with Angie Jackson-Wilson, March 25, 1993. Dame Nita was the keynote speaker for the Women’s Coalition of St Croix, USVI. Annual Meeting.

Copy of a newspaper announcement

Angie Jackson-Wilson 

NFBPWC Nominations Chair

2024-2026