NIA’s Women’s Self-Empowerment Workshop 2025 Focuses on Professional Development of Women and Girls on Nevis

Introduction

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (April 03, 2025)– The Premier’s Ministry successfully recently hosted its fifth annual Women’s Self-Empowerment Workshop, marking a new milestone by including young girls, aiming to inspire and mentor the next generation of female leaders.

Workshop Overview

The Honourable Latoya Jones, Special Advisor to the Premier and workshop organizer, expressed her enthusiasm about the continued growth and impact of the event.

“Over the past four years, we have welcomed 103 amazing participants. Our numbers for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were 23, 19, 24, and 37, respectively. This year, we are thrilled to announce that we have 36 participants today, 18 spirited women and 18 determined girls.”

The Honourable Latoya Jones, Special Advisor to the Premier, organizer of the Women’s Self-Empowerment Workshop

Inclusion of Young Girls

She stated that one of the highlights of the 2025 workshop was the inclusion of girls from local high schools, selected in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. She explained that 18 women from diverse professional fields had been selected to participate that year who were paired with 18 high school girls from Forms 1 to 4. These students were chosen for their alignment with women’s career fields, with a priority given to those facing challenges and in need of encouragement and mentorship.

Career Fields Represented

Career fields represented at the workshop included mechanics, architecture, law enforcement, nursing, entrepreneurship, religion, fashion design, cosmetology, education, agriculture, sports, psychology, performing arts, hospitality, accounting, law, and information technology.

United Nations’ Mission Alignment

Hon. Jones emphasized that the workshop’s theme aligned with the United Nations’ mission of promoting rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls.

“Our mission is clear, to foster active engagement among women and girls, enhance leadership skills, address vital issues affecting women and girls, enable and share the learning experiences, create valuable networking opportunities for future employment, and establish a robust mentorship programme.”

Endorsement and Support

Endorsing the initiative, the Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Gender Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), praised the inclusion of young girls.

“I do love that this year we have included our young girls in the programme. We want to ensure that you’re prepared for the type of woman that you want to become… We are making an early intervention so that you can ask the questions you need, be inspired by the women who are in the room, and get that mentorship experience,” she stated.

Nevis Island Administration’s fifth annual Women’s Self-Empowerment Workshop held on March 26, 2025, at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park

Workshop Sessions

Clinical psychologist Dr. Kerdis Clarke, alongside presenters Stacey Parris and Shanika Jeffers, led engaging sessions focused on mental health, leadership, etiquette, career development, and mentorship.

Certificates of Completion

The event concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Completion to each of the 36 participants by Hon. Latoya Jones, marking the workshop’s continued commitment to empowering women and girls in Nevis.

Conclusion

The fifth annual Women’s Self-Empowerment Workshop was a resounding success, with a focus on professional development, mentorship, and empowerment of women and girls in Nevis. The inclusion of young girls in the program marked a new milestone, and the workshop’s alignment with the United Nations’ mission of promoting rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls is a step in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the purpose of the Women’s Self-Empowerment Workshop?

A: The purpose of the workshop is to empower women and girls in Nevis, promote professional development, and provide mentorship opportunities.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the workshop?

A: The workshop is open to women and girls from Nevis, with a focus on including young girls from local high schools.
Q: What topics are covered in the workshop sessions?

A: The workshop sessions cover topics such as mental health, leadership, etiquette, career development, and mentorship.