In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the non-profit organisation Girls of Impact Trinidad and Tobago hosted a Women’s Day Empowerment Symposium in Tobago.
The organisation collaborated with the Division of Community Development, Youth Development, and Sport’s Youth Energised for Success Programme to host the event on Friday.
Over 200 young women from Tobago’s secondary schools were present to receive guidance from women who have been excelling in various fields.
Founder of Girls of Impact, Renee Atwell, said the Symposium’s theme ‘Action For Her Future’ was selected in alignment with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme ‘Accelerate Action’.
“Where we provide these young women with the opportunity to learn, grow, network, and to engage with each other so that hopefully they are able to leave here feeling empowered and inspired to make a difference.”
THA Secretary of Community Development, Youth Development, and Sport, Joel Sampson, described the initiative as an investment in the development of Tobago’s young women. He said the workshops were carefully selected.
“Confidence building, because you have to know your worth before you demand it. Leadership training, because we need more female decision-makers in boardrooms, in politics, and in communities. Financial literacy, because independence isn’t just about mindsets. It’s about money.”
And Secretary of Education, Zorisha Hackett, made a call to action as she encouraged the young women to become leaders.
“Ensure you take charge of the space. Do not apologise for your brilliance when you are in a room such as this one. Two: Use your voice and speak with conviction even when it shakes, and three: to lift other women up as you climb.”
Girls of Impact Trinidad and Tobago was founded with a mission to build a supportive community where young women can access the resources they need to excel in education, career, and entrepreneurship, all while making a lasting social impact.