PHILIPSBURG--Women in St. Maarten were challenged by attorney Dagmar Daal to take bold action to challenge social rules and break down sexist barriers, as she spoke as part of a panel discussion held at the Phillipsburg branch of CIBC FirstCaribbean on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day. Daal encouraged women to create their own bold moments by taking action challenging social rules and perceptions, and to break sexist barriers. Annually, the day provides a unique occasion to take actions that motivate and encourage significant change for women. As such, CIBC FirstCaribbean hosted the event for its staff and specially invited guests, among them female participants in K1 Britannia Foundation’s Work, Training and Social Development Programme. The panellists also included President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and Dr. Sonia Swanston-Meade. They engaged in a candid discussion, sharing what bold actions they had taken to help improve or develop aspects of their lives and careers.
Wescot-Williams told the special gathering of staff that building self-confidence and strengthening the social fabric was a means to narrowing the gender gap.
Dr. Swanston emphasised the importance of self-love and self-care as the building blocks to bold actions, reminding women that at times they needed to be selfish and that without self-love/care they could not thrive personally or professionally.
The discussion, which was aimed at motivating the audience, also allowed the presenters, leaders within their community, to reflect on their own lives and achievements. In doing so they admitted having taken bold actions on numerous occasions, often subconsciously. Those “courageous” and “confident” actions, as Wescot-Williams dubbed them, dramatically shaped their lives.
The event was planned by an organising committee comprising P. Abdul-Hamid, G. Marlin, N. Smith, A. Dijkhoffz, J. Spencer, L. Clarke and PR Consultant Claudine Williams, and was moderated by Jimmy Challenger.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/64251-fibc-hosts-international-women-s-day-discussion
