- Soroptimist International SVG Celebrates International Women’s Day
The Soroptimist Club of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SISVG) celebrated International Women’s Day 2024 with three noteworthy events. This global women’s organisation focuses on education and empowerment projects to enhance the economic prospects of women and girls.
The SISVG Club celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” as it supports the work and efforts of the United Nations to empower women and tackle gender inequality and also the theme “Inspire Inclusion” from the International Women’s day organisation.
The Club was delighted when contacted by the General Manager of SOL EC LTD, Mr. Steve Francis, to discover that the Company had selected SISVG to be the recipient of US $500 in appreciation of its work as part of SOL EC Ltd’s celebrations for International Women’s Day on March 8th. In receiving the donation from Mr. Francis, the Club Treasurer, Christine Da Silva, thanked SOL expressing appreciation for this significant recognition noting that the donation would be used for a project to empower women.
Later that day and still in celebratory mode a team of Soroptimist members visited Intermediate High School along with a panel of speakers to address the one hundred and fifty(150) female students on relevant topics affecting teenagers. Three topics were covered by members of Soroptimists – “Building Confidence” by President Donnette O’Neil, “Detecting Toxic Relationships” by Psychiatrist Kimberly Cambridge, “Beware: Aspects of Violence and Bullying” by Governance and Development Director by Rene Baptiste. The fourth presentation, Menstrual Hygiene and PMS Management was made by Sister Roxanne Joseph (Family Nurse Practitioner employed with the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment). These topics aroused much interest from the students who participated in lively Question and Answer sessions after each presentation. SISVG thanks the Intermediate High School for the opportunity to partner with them to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The Club was also able to reach a group of students at Barrouallie Technical Institute (BTI), Buccament Bay Secondary School and Central Leeward Secondary School on March 12th when it partnered with Soroptimist International (SI) San Fernando and The General Employees’ Credit Union (GECCU) to hold a webinar on the theme “Financial Literacy for Emerging Entrepreneurs.” A total of 38 students and teachers were educated on financial topics. Soroptimist Janelle Parks from SI San Fernando spoke on “The ABCs of Entrepreneurship” while Ms. Danny-Lee Francis from GECCU addressed the issue of “Managing Money With A Small Income”. President Donnette O’Neil addressed the session with opening remarks and the webinar was ably moderated by Membership Director Ikarmola LaBorde.
SISVG were pleased to continue to strengthen its partnership with SI Fernando at BTI which gave donations of sewing machines and material to increase the capacity of students attending the garment production programme project which SISVG continues to support. The Club appreciates the participation of GECCU in the webinar as it continued to celebrate International Women’s Day and hopes this will be the beginning of a closer partnership to reach students and young women. In a heartfelt thank you by student Tamara Harry (BTI), the speakers were thanked for the financial management sessions noting that the information received will go a long way to help the students realise their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs.
SISVG extends sincere appreciation to all the organisations, schools and institutes which contributed to the success of the Club’s celebrations for International Women’s Day enabling it to reach a large number of young people about relevant topics. Our first webinar was a great success. We look forward to using this medium in the future to inform women and girls on a variety of topics addressing women’s issues in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
