Linden women and girls were encouraged to “push” to overcome challenges and “dream big” by Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes, at the launch of the ‘Girl Power Movement’ in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Friday. The movement, piloted in the mining town, will seek to empower and embrace women and girls under the theme “Girl power, confronting challenges today, ensuring a brighter tomorrow.”
A section of the gathering at the ‘Girl Power Movement’ launching in Linden
Speaking to hundreds gathered at the Lichas Hall at Mackenzie, Minister Broomes gave the encouragement to use ‘girl power’ to make a difference and confront challenges in the community. She further urged girls, which were represented by all the secondary schools across Linden, to stay in school, be courageous and push to confront challenges in making a difference.
“Girls, you have power and you can use that power in the positive or in the negative… the girls in Linden, you would use your power to stop rape, you would use your power to stop violence, you would use your power to understand who you are… you can use that power to address everything about yourself… and how you place yourself in society…”, Broomes said. She pointed out that a lot of girls grow up in abusive homes but urged that they use their power to change such situations, as well as to change the cycle of teenage pregnancy and school drop outs.
“Additionally, the Minister pledged to work with girls and offered one-on-one with girls who indicated that they needed help. The event also saw a motivational piece by Zoe Sills, dances from the Throne Room Expression dance group and Skip to my Lou, as well as motivational songs.
