Women from all walks of life came out to join Shuga launch her foundation, Femme Phenomenal, at 20A Millsborough Crescent in St Andrew last Friday, International Women’s Day.

“The support was more than we could have asked for. The kind words and re-assurance from the guests reemphasised that the goals of Femme Phenomenal are attainable,” Shuga told the Jamaica Observer.

Though the event got off to a late start, the audience was enthralled by stories of the guest speakers including Natassia Wright, who said she lost her parents before age 17. Her grandmother, who was her guardian, passed away after she enrolled in the University of Technology, Jamaica.

According to Wright, she had to do part-time jobs and give up school to survive. She uses her story as an inspiration; today, she is an administrative secretary at Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica.

The National Safe Schools and Training Coordinator, Sergeant Taneica Johnson, expounded on the frequent reports of rape and abuse that she receives. According to 2016 statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 473 women were raped between January 1 and December 24 that year.

Nearly 50 per cent of the cases involved children. The statistics revealed that 180 victims were under the age of 15. Some were younger than five years-old.

Other speakers included Dr Rosalea Hamilton and Lieutenant Colonel Claudette D Graves from Atlanta, Georgia.

Lieutenant Graves, who served as a strategic planner for the United States Army, explained to the Jamaica Observer that it is important to push positive messages.

“There is a responsibility if you are a celebrity, if you are a person that society is hearing your voice, the responsibility cannot be taken lightly, you have to not just pipe up your voice or your gifts, but you have a responsibility to address society and the issues that it is facing,” said Graves, who retired from the army last year.

“Sexual abuse, domestic abuse, sexual assault and all those things have been taking place in our homes for way too long and those who have a voice that people are listening to whether through social media, television, any type of means, they need to use it for that good,” she continued.

Performances came from Verlando Small, 2013 Digicel Rising Stars winner, singer and bass violin player Jamila Falak, and the Bashy Bus Kru.

Shuga (given name Mitsy Campbell) moved some in the audience to tears as she performed her song Phenomenal Woman, a personal story she says women around the world have faced. She also did Ebony.

Guest artiste Davianah, daughter of Tony Rebel, also shared her story of hardship and having being raised by her brother.

Co-founder of the organisation, Kimberly Lewis, believes the launch was a success.

“The contributions from the speakers and performers definitely conveyed the message perfectly and now that others know about this hub called Femme Phenomenal, we can push forward with fulfilling its purpose,” she said.

The organisation’s priority is to empower and uplift victims of abuse.

Lewis says Femme Phenomenal is in the process of selecting the first schools that will be part of its tour.