Leading up to International Women’s Day, A Woman’s Day Conference entitled “Step It Up For Gender Equality” was held in St. Eustatius from March 3-6, 2016.
The event was co- sponsored by COSME (Boosting Caribbean OCT Enterprises), European Commission, St. Eustatius Chamber of Commerce and Industry, St. Eustatius Tourist Board and S.P.I.C.E – St. Eustatius Production of International Culture and Education.
The conference showcased leadership development and refinement, life balance, empowering yourself to be your own CEO, equality in the workforce, conquering the workplace and business challenges.
Mrs. Gilda Gumbs Samuel, Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association and Owner of Honey Butter and Cream, was invited to represent the island of Anguilla, and participated as part of the panel discussing the topic “Work and Life Balance”.
A riveting welcome address was delivered by the 2016 Junior Minister of Tourism, Kentonea Fortin, while the keynote address was enthusiastically delivered by Loretto Duffy Mayers, Project Manager for the Caribbean Hotel Emergency Efficiency Action Program, and Renewable Energy Action Program. She chose the appropriate theme and topic “Educate a woman and you educate a Nation”, which was well received.
Approximately 130 women from around the region, including host country Statia, hailing from various social and professional backgrounds engaged in an all-day riveting conference on Friday March the 5th from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Invited professional presenters and guests speakers shared insights on effectively balancing their professional and private lives, and delivered strong business presentations and personal testimonies.
Mrs. Diana Hendrickson-Fleming, GOPA Key Expert/Team Leader, and Mr. Richard Gill, Executive Project Assistant, both of The COSME Program, said that they were delighted to have had a part in organizing and bringing together some extraordinary and strong women. They stated that meetings and interactions were very rewarding.
Other guest speakers were: Ms. Anamda Zaandam from St. Maarten and Mrs. Portia Harrigan from the BVI.
The two-day event ended with a celebration of women at a formal gala. The glittering evening welcomed the key speaker, the Former Editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine and writer, Susan Taylor, who addressed a very attentive audience taking them through some of her life’s journeys, and the personal qualities required including a sense of self, endurance and courage.
The collaboration and networking of these wonderful women from around the region, was enlightening and strengthening. Close ties were formed, and sisterhood was established. It is anticipated that these bonds will be nurtured and leveraged to bring further benefits to gender affairs and community development within the region.
