Three extraordinary women were celebrated for their contributions to medicine, environmental conservation, and advocacy for inclusivity on Tuesday.
This, as the International Women’s Forum Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT) hosted its fourth Inspirational Women Awards Gala, honouring pioneers who are shaping lives and communities.
Dr. Catherine Minto-Bain was honoured for her pioneering work in fertility medicine, Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste for decades of turtle conservation, and 22-year-old Maya Kirti Nanan for championing inclusivity for children with autism.
President Christine Kangaloo praised the honourees as examples of courage, reminding the nation of the power of women’s leadership.
“Against the backdrop of this wonderful confluence of events, we honour this evening three remarkable women, whose work is not only a testament to the extraordinary calibre of women that they are but is also an indication of the impressive heights which we can achieve as a nation.”
Although these women come from vastly different fields and experiences, President Kangaloo said they have something in common: tenacity.
“What strikes me most about these stories is that all three of these honourees refused to be paralysed by the enormity of the problems they faced. As I have said, they have all been incredibly tenacious. Where others saw challenges too large or too entrenched to tackle, they saw opportunity. Where others might have thrown up their hands in despair, they asked instead, ‘What can I do?'”
President of the IWFTT, Lisa Agard, reminded attendees of the power of women’s leadership.
“Here in Trinidad and Tobago, our forum has spent the last decade creating pathways for women to rise. We are guided by IWF Global’s three pillars. Connect, where we create space for meaningful dialogue on a wide range of issues at our forum meetings. Catalyse, where we encourage change through leadership, and celebrate, primarily through our Inspirational Women Awards Gala.”
Ms. Agard added that the night’s honourees exemplify the values of leadership, integrity, and service.
“Their stories remind us that inspiration is not an abstract ideal. It is lived in classrooms, boardrooms, laboratories, community centres, and in every corner of our society.”
This year’s gala also marked the tenth anniversary of the International Women’s Forum Trinidad and Tobago, the local arm of the global IWF network, which connects more than 8,000 accomplished women across 35 nations.