WOMEN islandwide are being urged to remain empowered and mentor females younger than them, so that they may be able to stand and be counted.

That was the takeaway message from the launch of the 2017 Women In Energy Conference last Thursday.

The conference, set to take place March 9 and 10 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew, is spearheaded by the women of the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPSCo) and seeks to broaden the discussion on the developments in energy and how everyone impacts the future of energy.

Speaking at the launch, president and CEO of JPSCo Kelly Tomblin said one of the main purposes of the conference is to lead an energy revolution with women that unleashes Jamaica’s growth and prosperity.

“We are committed to doing power differently, in a way that will thrust Jamaica on a framework to economic prosperity. When I say do power differently I have an idea to eliminate hierarchy, give everyone a voice while making sure it’s not little people, big people, people who have and people who don’t have.

“Doing power differently means for those of us who are privileged to hold positions of CEO, presidents… to realise you are powerful beyond measure. We will never settle for less, we will only settle for more. We are powerful beyond measure, but sometimes we have to remind each other,” Tomblin said.

The launch also featured testimonials from participants in last year’s conference such as Sheena Woodburn, technical officer at PetroCaribe, who reminded women to send the ladder down for others after they have reached the top.

Renowned Jamaican philanthropist Pat Ramsay reminded women that being empowered comes with responsibility and integrity and it’s okay o be yourself.

“When we are responsible we are accountable. Don’t be afraid of the consequences, take responsibility for what you do; that’s part of our empowerment, don’t give it away. Harness it to grow into deeper, bigger, and better things. Let us where the mask less and less. Being yourself is good enough,” Ramsay said.

Another testimonial featured Tania McDonald- Tomlinson, head of department in the human resources division at JPSCo, who reminded women to stand their ground and make an impact on young people.

“For me, at every opportunity I say yes. For every opportunity to bring young people along, I say yes,” she said.

After the testimonials, the evening segued into a live performance by all-female band Adahzeh, then a brief networking session among the women present.

The conference also aims to empower women in male-dominated industries by providing a platform for them to constructively address global challenges and opportunities that will foster their advancement professionally and personally.

A male panel has been introduced to the conference agenda to afford male leaders an opportunity to share their perspectives on issues surrounding women’s leadership.

The line-up of speakers at this year’s event includes Oscar award-winner and managing director of GreensLedge, Lesley Goldwasser, and Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Outstanding corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and development specialists will also form part of the panel for discussions.

Several local and international companies have shown their support for the conference through sponsorships. They include Marubeni, New Fortress Energy, TSK, BMR Energy, the ICD Group of Companies, Jamaica Energy Partners, Sagicor Group, JMMB, and the Jamaica Private Power Company.