Women’s Day: Recognising and celebrating the achievements of Seychellois women |06 March 2020
This Sunday, the world will commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) – an annual observation which takes place on March 8 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as to reiterate the call for gender parity.
In commemoration of this day and its essence of celebration, reflection, unity, advocacy and action, Seychelles NATION asked women of all ages and backgrounds in Seychelles to talk about their personal achievements.
Myriam
“My greatest achievement, despite all the obstacles and evilness in my way, is that I’ve managed to almost successfully accomplish my dream finally of our first ‘NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTER (PET HAVEN SEYCHELLES)’ which will very soon become a reality.
“My wish is that our animals can live a happy life with love, compassion and loving care. God has given me the strength to be a strong woman and fearless to face challenges of anything coming my way.”
********
Julia Gedeon
“Raising my only son by myself as a single mother…this has made me understand the true meaning of a ‘strong woman’. Sometimes as women we go through difficult situations and for me I count it as a blessing. Tough times have made me stronger, wiser, more content, able to value the meaning of life, and to be positive towards whatever is thrown my way. By far being called ‘mother’ has been the greatest achievement in my life.”
********
Beryl Payet, 31
Communications and Electronics Engineer
“My greatest achievement is building a career in Engineering – a field still dominated by men. A bumpy journey I navigated with the guidance of the Almighty, my amazing mum, dad, family, friends, teachers and mentors.
“In December 2019, I was nominated as the Next Einstein Forum Ambassador for Seychelles, a responsibility that reflects and adds on to the numerous volunteering projects I engage with to encourage young girls and women to pursue their interest in engineering, and advocating for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Seychelles.
“I will continue to advocate for a comprehensive and efficient STEM education curriculum which I strongly believe will expose our youths with the famous 4 Cs – Critical Thinking, Communications, Collaboration and Creativity. The 21st Century skills!”
********
Madame Georges
(Le Jardin du Roi)
“My achievement is the success of my four children plus the three others I helped take care of to make one big happy family. The joy of them still coming in my ears for advice, they are still my babies and I am simply mum to all of them.”
********
Winifred Rose, 43
“I believe I was born strong and made for challenges. No matter what anyone else may say, I believe that I was sent into this world for only one great personal achievement; my children who would bear my grandchildren and continue on with my legacy.
“Those who know me, know who I am, but in life I count my successes by the number of lives I touch positively everyday...the number of people who would remember the ways in which I touched and changed their lives. I have so much love in my heart and my greatest desire is to share that love sincerely and genuinely in all the different circumstances of which being a woman allows me.
“As a woman, I am grateful to God and to those who have pushed and pulled me to become the 'bold voice' for the rights of others and my own rights. I do not count my material achievements as they are only temporary comforts, but I am grateful and proud that God has chosen me as a teacher, a leader and an inspiration for others in many ways.
“Sometimes I question the reason behind my challenges, my pains, my uncertainties...not every time do I get an answer...but my soul rejoices for the power to forgive the people who hurt me; as forgiveness also sets me free. Many people see me as a strong woman but I am only human and as human I am grateful for every breath I take.
“My advice to you sisters out there ‘don't allow your pride to hurt another woman while you feed the ego of a man...don't allow yourself to be used’ #women stand together for that is how we are stronger.”
********
Shella Mohideen
“I am a success because I am very fortunate in being able to combine all the things that I love most. They are my son and family who are simply amazing, maintaining a rewarding career and leading a Team where the work that TGMI does gives us a great sense of accomplishment. I am a member of the great St Louis Football Club where I have been instrumental for the Club to get a Continental License from CAF, and I am a mentor for upcoming entrepreneurs and of students to whom I am giving tools to help transform their lives.
“I see myself as being part of something bigger than my personal agenda which means empowerment for positive change.”
F.P.
