Today, August 19, in celebration of the achievements and growth of participants of the 2026 LeadHERship Legacy Initiative (LLI), the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, led by the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, MP, held a Graduation Ceremony at Queen’s Hall, Port-of-Spain.
The event marked the culmination of the women empowerment programme, which was implemented by the Ministry through its Community Recovery Unit (CRU) from May 4 to July 31, 2026. The initiative enrolled one hundred (100) ladies between the ages of 16 and 40, with participants successfully completing the programme.
The LeadHERship Legacy Initiative carried out Minister Benjamin’s mandate for community development and embodied her passion for women and youth, as well as, it targeted under resourced communities. As a result, it was curated to equip women with the knowledge, skills, confidence and opportunities to become confident leaders and the programme was delivered across five (5) districts: Belmont, Arima, South, Moruga and Tobago.
Throughout the initiative, participants received training in life skills, leadership, entrepreneurship, financial management, public speaking, communication, digital literacy, personal branding, business development, alongside résumé writing and interview preparation.
They also gained practical workplace experience through apprenticeship placements and participated in two (2) MixHER Entrepreneurial Networking Events, connecting with accomplished women entrepreneurs and professionals to develop their workplace skills, professional networks and industry knowledge.
In attendance were Ministry officials including: the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development; Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary; along with The Honourable Wayne Sturge, MP, Minister of Defence and The Honourable Clyde Elder, MP, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, programme stakeholders and other specially invited guests.
The feature address was delivered by the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development.
Minister Benjamin stressed on the significance of the initiative, the importance of equipping women with the knowledge, confidence and skills to lead and create meaningful change. Minister Benjmain reminded them, “never shrink yourself for the comfort others. Be ambitious. Be brave. Be compassionate. And be unequivocally committed to becoming the best version of yourself. You have already achieved.”
Minister Benjamin reminded the graduates that women have historically demonstrated their ability to transform families, communities, organisations and nations, thereby urging them to recognise that their gender should never determine the limits of their capabilities or potential.
Encouraging the graduates to use their achievements to create opportunities for other women, Minister Benjamin stated, “When the day comes when you find yourself in a position of influence, remember to look back and bring another young woman forward with you.” Participants received certificates, at the end of the ceremony, which marked the completion their LeadHERship journey.
The LeadHERship Legacy Initiative reflects the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s, through the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, continued commitment to empowering women, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for personal, professional as well as economic growth.
