A packed auditorium of students, educators and community leaders gathered Saturday for a powerful International Women’s Day forum hosted by the Zonta Club of New Providence at the University of The Bahamas Harry C Moore Library. The forum urged young women to embrace leadership, service and self-confidence at a time when violence against women and gender inequality remain global concerns with one in three women experiencing gender based violence according to UN Women.
The event, held one day ahead of International Women’s Day, brought together high school and college students along with teachers, mentors and counselors for a multi-session programme themed “Give to Gain.”
Keynote speaker Hon Pia Glover-Rolle, Minister of Labour and Public Service, challenged the young audience to view service not as an obligation but as an essential part of leadership and personal development.
Reflecting on her own path into public life, Glover-Rolle encouraged students to embrace opportunities to serve their communities early, explaining that those experiences often shape the skills, confidence and resilience needed later in life.
“Giving is not weakness. Giving is leadership in action. But I will be honest, giving requires sacrifice,” Glover-Rolle told the audience.
Following the minister’s keynote, the programme transitioned into two panel discussions designed to combine mentorship with open dialogue among the young women in attendance.
The first panel titled “Lead Boldly: The Future is Female & Fearless,” featured established professionals representing several fields, including former senator Maxine Seymour and educator and cultural ambassador Bodine Johnson. Panelists spoke about the women who inspired them and the importance of diversifying your skills and exhibiting perseverance and self-belief while navigating professional spaces.
The forum’s second panel turned the spotlight directly to the students themselves. Young women representing participating high schools, along with a representative from the University of The Bahamas, joined the discussion to share their perspectives on issues affecting girls today, including bullying, self-esteem and the pressure many young women feel to succeed in multiple areas of life at once.
The conversation created a safe space for students to speak openly about the challenges they face while engaging with mentors and peers in the room.
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization dedicated to advancing the status of women through advocacy, education and service. The organization operates in more than 60 countries and works to empower women and girls while advocating for an end to gender-based violence.
Organizers said the goal of the event was not only to mark International Women’s Day but also to empower young women with the confidence and support needed to pursue their ambitions.
The strong turnout and engaged audience confirmed the need and importance of creating spaces where young women can share their experiences, learn from leaders and envision the possibilities ahead.
Source: Felicity Darville
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