Empowering Women and Girls: A Workshop for Growth and Development

Introduction

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.”

Workshop Highlights

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 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.

Mission and Objectives

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.”

Endorsements 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.

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.

Conclusion

The 2025 workshop was a resounding success, with a diverse range of participants and engaging sessions. The event’s mission to empower women and girls aligns with the United Nations’ goals, and the inclusion of young girls from local high schools is a significant step towards creating a brighter future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the theme of the 2025 workshop? The theme of the 2025 workshop was aligned with the United Nations’ mission of promoting rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls.
How many participants were there in the 2025 workshop? There were 36 participants in the 2025 workshop, consisting of 18 spirited women and 18 determined girls.
What career fields were represented at the workshop? The workshop included women from diverse professional fields such as mechanics, architecture, law enforcement, nursing, entrepreneurship, and more.
Who led the workshop sessions? Clinical psychologist Dr. Kerdis Clarke, alongside presenters Stacey Parris and Shanika Jeffers, led the engaging sessions focused on mental health, leadership, etiquette, career development, and mentorship.