First all-girls forum marks women’s day |09 March 2012

The event – the first of its kind and held under the theme Connecting girls, inspiring futures – took place at the School of Education’s auditorium and was attended by principal secretary for education Merida Delcy, director general for schools Odile Octave, guests, speakers as well as teachers and girls from secondary and post secondary institutions.
 
The forum comprised three presentations which addressed important areas of development.

Youth National Assembly speaker Vanessa Seth’s presentation was on young ladies as role models for other women.
Plaisance secondary school head teacher Nella Belmont shared her experience about young girls and the Tsusemi club (meaning speak out in Swahili) – an empowerment programme – at her school.

The third presentation about girls’ empowerment in addressing common health concerns was made by Youth Health Centre director Judy Brioche.

In her opening speech, Mrs Octave stressed on the importance of empowering “our girls”.
“As a young nation, we need our women to be devoted mothers, strong leaders and dedicated workers,” she said, adding that her wish is to see every woman act as ambassadors for their school, peers and the country and to convey messages that build each other up; look out for each other to create an environment where the goodness and prosperity of others become an important duty.

“Strength and dignity do not come from amazing achievements and outward beauty but come from rightful living,” she said.

The forum for girls was one among many activities the department of education planned for the occasion. Others included a health screening for staff by the National Institute for Health and Social Studies followed by a presentation on emotional health of women by Dr Daniella Malulu.