On Wednesday, August 5, the Hon. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, Minister of Social Development and Education, along with Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, Permanent Secretary of Social Development and Education, and Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Affairs Director, welcomed the founder and executive members of the UP Girl non-profit organization to the Ministry in advance of their “Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk” female empowerment seminar. Minister Kentish-Rogers acknowledged the UP Girl Initiative as a “timely endeavour by a group of highly engaged young women with a golden purpose: “To motivate young women and build their confidence.”
UP Girl (Unlimited Potential Girl) is a non-profit organisation founded by 15-year old Ms. Sáaliha Abdur-Raheem to help young females transition during challenging phases in their lives. Her executive team, including 16-year old Ms. Tajah Carter, Secretary, and 22-year old Ms. Norica Proctor, Public Relations Officer, presented the Up Girl mission and vision as simply “to empower young females to be exceptional citizens while boosting their self-esteem and confidence through continued support systems; encouraging a healthy haven for direct communications without the fear of being ridiculed for their difference of opinion or background.”
Founder Sáaliha Abdur-Raheem exclaimed that: “It was a great pleasure to share a room with prominent females who are as passionate as I am about the UP Girl “Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk” seminar being held August 16 – 22, 2020. The week of activities is tailored to benefit young females ages 10-18. To have the support of Gender Affairs Anguilla is certainly an honour.”
The upcoming seminar will welcome a nearly sold-out crowd of almost 100 young ladies in a week-long fun and educational-filled conference on various topics polled from teens and preteens. Discussions and activities will include Transitioning to a Teenager, Legal Rights as a Female, Hot Topics, My Body and Mind is my Temple, Embrace You – and various beach activities and exercises such as yoga, cardio, and hiking. The UP Girl initiative will later introduce community projects, walk-a-thon’s and sessions for financial intelligence and DIY projects.
Permanent Secretary Richardson-Lake expressed that: “The Ministry of Social Development would like to commend the inspiring young women of UP Girl for this innovative initiative. We are pleased to support the empowerment of our young people.” Dr. Foy Connor, of Gender Affairs Anguilla, highlighted that she is proud that Gender Affairs Anguilla can support a well-needed initiative and noted that: “It is refreshing to see young women help create the life that they are meant to live. They are focusing on teaching and encouraging their peers along the way and have the meaningful hands-on support of their parents. These young ladies embody the future leaders that will create a thriving and successful Anguilla.”
The UP Girl team delightfully expressed, “Our aim is to promote female empowerment and we feel even more empowered now through our discussions – and our team is eager to share this experience with the young ladies who will be attending the seminar.” Minister Kentish-Rogers concluded by saying, “I cannot think of anything more powerful than young women who know their worth and aren’t afraid to step into their confidence. I anticipate that this initiative will have a lasting impact on young women in Anguilla for years to come.”
To register for the UP Girl seminar, or for more information, please call 581-4103 or email: upgirl.ai@gmail.com.
