IN a decisive move to strategically engage, listen to and empower young women across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation partnered with Sandals Corporate University and the Learning and Development Team at Sandals Resorts International to inspire more than 700 women on International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8.

Through a series of uniquely curated sessions for teenage girls and young adults, a contingent of approximately 60 volunteers visited high schools, learning centres and girls’ homes across eight islands to explore the importance of training and education to make their mark in the world.

“Since the theme for IWD was Inspire Inclusion, we wanted to focus on the importance of education and training for growth, confidence and self-esteem to ensure that our young women are ready to take their place in the workplace and society,” said Dr Luz Longsworth, senior corporate director, Sandals Corporate University.

Using personal stories and experiences as anecdotal lessons of transformation, the Sandals Corporate University and foundation team sparked enthusiasm and honest interaction from the targeted young women who engaged in a series of carefully curated activities.

“As we enter our 15th year of operation, the Sandals Foundation is placing sharp focus on tangible ways we can empower lives in every respect,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director at Sandals Foundation. “We were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the Sandals Corporate University to partner with us on this initiative, bringing their expertise to the lesson development for this special day.”

She added: “Our young women are powerful beyond measure with sometimes only needing a guide to help direct their path. And as a Caribbean organisation, it is our duty to lend our resources, time, and expertise to empower the next generation in any way we can.”

Here in Jamaica, some 230 young women were reached as the team of volunteers visited the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) chapters in Kingston, Montego Bay, Savanna-la-Mar, and St Ann; and students from St James High, St Elizabeth Technical, Marcus Garvey High and Iona High School.

Topics of individuality and self-expression, self-discipline and perseverance, self-care, self-growth, and overcoming life’s challenges were covered as 27 participants at the Savanna-la-Mar division of the WCJF took part in the morning session.

Centre Manager Mellissa Boothe Anderson said the day’s events set the young women on a transformative journey.

“The topics created were strategically thought out by the Sandals Foundation. There was a connection with each session and the conversations made it easy for the girls to open up and be involved without reservations. The presenters were down to earth and real with information and the girls were very appreciative of it. The entire day was awesome and I am sure it will have a positive impact on the girls,” she said.

The women’s empowerment sessions form part of the Sandals Foundation’s Women Helping Others Achieve programme which provides mentorship, education, training and other tools needed to help marginalised women across the Caribbean find inspiration and strength to advance and transform their personal and professional lives.

On March 18, the Sandals Foundation commemorated 15 years of empowering Caribbean communities with a mission to inspire hope.