The Ministry of Culture and Community Development, led by the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, officially welcomed participants of the LeadHERship Legacy Initiative (LLI) to an orientation ceremony, held today at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA). The event marked the commencement of the next phase of this transformative national empowerment programme for women and girls across Trinidad and Tobago.
The LeadHERship Legacy Initiative, facilitated by the Ministry’s Community Recovery Unit (CRU), is designed to equip women and girls between the ages of 16 and 40 with the tools, skills, mentorship and opportunities needed to become entrepreneurs, agents and “Leadhers” of positive change within their communities. Running from May 4 to July 31, 2026, the programme engages participants from at-risk and underserved communities throughout Trinidad, including Belmont, Arima, Moruga and South, as well as, Tobago.
Today’s orientation ceremony, attended by Minister Benjamin; Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary and Ms. Florette Clarke, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), formally introduced participants to the Entrepreneurship Training and Craft Skills Training Components of the LeadHERship Legacy Initiative.
The session also provided participants with an overview of the opportunities, mentorship and practical experiences they can expect throughout the programme, including entrepreneurship development, apprenticeship placements, networking opportunities and specialised craft-based training designed to support personal growth and economic empowerment.
The orientation follows the successful completion of the programme’s initial two-week Life Skills Component, during which participants engaged in sessions focused on areas such as: financial management, leadership development, communication, customer service, stress management, wellness, professional conduct and cultural integration, among others.
In her feature address to the participants, Minister Benjamin highlighted the importance of investing in women and creating opportunities for growth and advancement, stating, “As women, we understand the level of determination and sacrifice required to pursue leadership and business opportunities. Through the LeadHERship Legacy Initiative, the Ministry is creating a space where women can build confidence, develop their skills and be supported as they work toward achieving their goals. Every woman deserves the opportunity to realise her potential and to know that her aspirations are both valid and achievable.”
Established in response to ongoing social and economic challenges affecting young women, including barriers to employment, mentorship and sustainable opportunities, the LeadHERship Legacy Initiative seeks to promote leadership development, entrepreneurship, personal growth and long-term economic empowerment among women and girls across Trinidad and Tobago.
The initiative, developed in alignment with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s national development priorities and the Strategic National Development Plan 2026–2030 focuses on social investment, skills development and economic participation.
Throughout the programme, participants can expect greater opportunities for personal and professional development including:
- Financial literacy and entrepreneurship training in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago;
- Specialised craft-based training in Décor and Event Management, Makeup and Beauty Services and Basic Costume Design;
- Apprenticeship placements with entrepreneurs and industry professionals;
- Field trips to women-owned businesses and enterprises; and
- Networking, mentorship and collaboration opportunities through the LeadHERship Legacy Entrepreneurial Mixer, “MixHERs.”
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development remains steadfast in its mandate of fostering community development and empowering citizens through targeted programmes and initiatives that promote self-development and sustainable growth. In collaboration with strategic governmental and community partners, the Ministry seeks to ensure that the LeadHERship Legacy Initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering a generation of confident and purpose-driven women across Trinidad and Tobago.
