Women and IP Symposium 2026: Jihan Williams-Knight
Transcript
Jihan Williams-Knight, Registrar, Saint Kitts and Nevis
I'm Jihan Williams-Knight, registrar of the IP Office in St. Kitts and Nevis. I'd say that the most important change needed to strengthen women's participation in IP protection is investing more in showcasing relatable success stories. Women are already creators and problem-solvers, but often we don't pause long enough to recognize the value in what we create. And if we can't see our own value, we can't promote nor protect it.
So yes, while there are women actively protecting their IP, there are still too many who don't even understand that they've created something of value that is protectable. And that's often because the most visible IP success stories have been large corporations or rich entrepreneurs.
So for the Caribbean women selling homemade juices on the side of the road, or the one who has developed catchy product names in her small business, IP protection will feel distant and unattainable. And yes, of course, we also need strategies to confront participation barriers like affordability and accessibility of IP protection.
But getting women to the door of IP protection is just as important as getting them through that door. So let's get more women to the door by showcasing more stories of women who've used IP strategy to extract real value and commercial potential from their everyday creativity.
So let's bring the women who have done it closer to the women who can do it through mentorship, networking, and consistent, authentic storytelling. Because what some women need to participate is not just information, it's inspiration that reflects and validates who and where they are.
Jihan Williams-Knight, Registrar, Saint Kitts and Nevis
I'm Jihan Williams-Knight, registrar of the IP Office in St. Kitts and Nevis. I'd say that the most important change needed to strengthen women's participation in IP protection is investing more in showcasing relatable success stories. Women are already creators and problem-solvers, but often we don't pause long enough to recognize the value in what we create. And if we can't see our own value, we can't promote nor protect it.
So yes, while there are women actively protecting their IP, there are still too many who don't even understand that they've created something of value that is protectable. And that's often because the most visible IP success stories have been large corporations or rich entrepreneurs.
So for the Caribbean women selling homemade juices on the side of the road, or the one who has developed catchy product names in her small business, IP protection will feel distant and unattainable. And yes, of course, we also need strategies to confront participation barriers like affordability and accessibility of IP protection.
But getting women to the door of IP protection is just as important as getting them through that door. So let's get more women to the door by showcasing more stories of women who've used IP strategy to extract real value and commercial potential from their everyday creativity.
So let's bring the women who have done it closer to the women who can do it through mentorship, networking, and consistent, authentic storytelling. Because what some women need to participate is not just information, it's inspiration that reflects and validates who and where they are.
June 17, 2026