British High Commission launches Women’s Forum |27 February 2024

Marquise Padayachy

The British High Commission (BHC) in Seychelles unveiled its inaugural Women’s Forum on Saturday, marking a significant step towards fostering growth and empowerment among women in Seychelles.

Spearheaded by Andrea Chiappe, spouse of British High Commissioner Jeff Glekin, the forum gathered around 50 women from diverse backgrounds, all leaders in their respective fields, for an enriching afternoon of talks, activities, discussions, and networking.

Mrs Chiappe underscored the forum's mission to provide a robust platform for women's empowerment, emphasising the importance of knowledge sharing, tapping into opportunities, and building networks.

“The aim is to grow bigger with every version, and to make this networking more like a Chamber of Women,” Mrs Chiappe commented, expressing aspirations to connect with similar chambers globally for further knowledge exchange and opportunities.

The inaugural event featured numerous speakers, including Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Patricia Francourt who provided insights about women in employment, and Lucie Harter, who delved into mental health and self-esteem.

Additionally, entrepreneur Marquise Padayachy outlined the strategy for successful branding, while Oushna John Labrosse shared her inspiring journey to entrepreneurship.

Rebecca Julienne highlighted opportunities available through the UK government's Chevening programme, offering scholarships and fellowships for study at UK universities and institutions.

While the pilot event saw preselected participants, Mrs Chiappe revealed plans to open future forums to the general public, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the initiative. She emphasised the potential benefits for women from different backgrounds, highlighting the value of mentoring, coaching, and access to opportunities provided by the platform.

During the forum, participants also engaged in discussions and a debate on the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for women's education and employment, brainstorming responsible usage strategies. Themes to be explored in future forums will be tailored to the interests and needs of participants and the nation at large.

The success of the event garnered positive feedback, with participants expressing enthusiasm and pledging support for future endeavours.

“As a society, and with the help of the BHC, we can grow bigger and make a difference,” Mrs Chiappe remarked.

The BHC is committed to regularly organising more Women’s Forums in collaboration with partners.

The launch of the Women’s Forum signifies a significant stride towards advancing inclusivity, empowerment, and collaboration in Seychelles.

Laura Pillay