By Anesta Henry
Four young women who had the opportunity to be leaders for the day at two diplomatic missions are now more confident they can achieve whatever they aspire to and that gender inequality can be eradicated.
To mark International Women’s Day 2023, the High Commissions of the United Kingdom and Canada in Barbados partnered with the LeadHERship Institute to give the young women the opportunity to experience life as a leader.
As part of the programme of activities, British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Scott Furssedonn-Wood and High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the OECS Lilian Chatterjee later co-hosted a reception for the young LeadHERS.
President Dame Sandra Mason and other specially invited guests attended the reception on Wednesday evening at the official residence of the British High Commissioner, BenMar, Pine Hill, St Michael.
During the event, the students expressed gratitude to the High Commissions for providing a platform for young women to have a voice in the fight for gender equality.
Sixteen-year-old Kori Powell of The St Michael School, who was attached to the Canadian High Commission, told the gathering that engaging in the various discussions and meetings throughout the day had been an enlightening experience which left her with deeper insight and understanding of the diplomatic world and gender-based problems.
The aspiring lawyer who wants to be an advocate for women and help bridge the gender gap said one of the biggest takeaways from the day was that she should never let self-doubt prevent her from chasing her dreams.
“I also learnt a lot about the importance of living a balanced life and sometimes prioritising my feelings in a stressful situation,” said Powell, adding that together women can break the glass ceiling and create a world free of biases, stereotypes and discrimination.
University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus student Shashamanne Jones who was also attached to the Canadian High Commission said the experience was priceless and inspirational.
She affirmed that women need equal access to socially valued goods, opportunities, resources, and rewards. The 21-year-old contended that women were largely underrepresented or not represented at all in several areas.
“I’d like to encourage young women like myself to utilise their digital footprint to raise awareness of the progress blocker that is gender inequality.
“To all women, be authentic, unapologetic, support each other, choose supportive partners, find what makes you happy. Take your own empowerment by the reins; you may very well be the reason for the increase in women’s representation in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] education,” Jones said.
The UWI student added: “In mentally summarising today’s events and activities, I can confidently say that I can see a successful outcome in all endeavours taken and ongoing in achieving gender equality. However, no road is without its due trials and tribulations, but if we are steadfast and precise about eradicating gender inequality, it can and will be done.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Alkins and Jelesha Sobers who were attached to the British High Commission said they also felt inspired following the day’s activities.
“My takeaways from this experience are to be true to myself, discover what it takes for me to be a woman,” asserted Alkins who said the experience was initially “nerve-racking”.
“The women I have met today have really enforced the importance of finding a work-life balance.”
Sobers said it was a pleasure meeting and engaging in discussions with many powerful women and men.
The 17-year-old added: “It was indeed a pleasure to just have a peek at what it’s like to be a leader. I was awarded the opportunity to acquire a vast amount of knowledge, experience and exposure to things that I once imagined to be beyond my scope of knowledge and ability. I am eternally grateful for the nuggets of wisdom, the takeaways and elements of exposure from today’s activities.”
High Commissioners Furssedonn-Wood and Chatterjee said the young leaders had demonstrated that the future is bright.
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