Adolescent girls benefit from “Girl Power” virtual conference 

Local and overseas-based girls recently benefitted from a “Girl Power” virtual conference by the For the Children Sake Foundation (FTCSF) in collaboration with the Health Ministry’s Adolescent Health Department, Cysterhood Support-Guyana and Desert Flower. The conference, which took place via Zoom, was aimed at empowering adolescents and girls, making them more equipped with the knowledge to face various challenges.

In giving the welcoming and opening remarks, FTCSF Deputy Finance Director Tishon Fraser said the collaborating organisations have recognised the importance of girl empowerment, which she noted can lead to healthier families and communities.
“Girl empowerment allows for self-discovery, self-love. It builds confidence, boosts morals and inculcate values for self that allows for personal development. Empowerment is being in a position to make informed decisions that will impact your outcomes, and a lot of times knowing just a little bit more or having a little more confidence in your capabilities is the difference between remaining in an abusive relationship or moving on, choosing education or fast-paced life. As girls, we need to have the proper guidance and knowledge that will help us navigate efficiently through the critical periods of adolescence,” Fraser said.
She noted that the activity was an initiative birthed and nurtured by for the organisation’s mandate to empower, encourage and inspire girls in the hope of making them better prepared for the challenges that await them in society. Fraser further encouraged participants to be active, ask questions and to seek clarity.
“When you have information, you have knowledge. It allows you to make the right choices… that is why information is so important. Girls, in order for you to be empowered, educating yourselves is the key. You must move along the continuum from lack of knowledge to the point where you acquire the requisite skills and knowledge,” she told participants.
The participants were educated on topics such as menstruation and hygiene, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), cervical cancer, breast self-examination, abuse, domestic violence and the law, anxiety and depression.
According to FTCSF Executive Director Vernon Todd, the event serves as another step in the journey to ensuring that girls are well equipped to overcome the existing challenges in society. Todd said he is hopeful that with initiatives such as these, the community, as well as regional and national leaders, are challenged to do more to assist girls to understand and be confident of their roles in society.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cysterhood Support-Guyana, Kimberly Manbodh implored the girls to take advantage of the opportunity and to be the best version of themselves, while Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Coordinator Cilandell Glen charged the girls to be the change they want to see in the world.
A mini virtual concert was also hosted where various artistes empowered the girls through their performances. (G13)