The Institute for Gender and Development Studies: Nita Barrow Unit (IGDS:NBU), in collaboration with CIBC Caribbean, will host a panel discussion and Women’s Night Market to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), as part of the IGDS:NBU IWD Distinguished Lecture Series. The event will be held on March 7, 2024, at the 3Ws Pavilion, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, starting at 7 p.m.
The discussion will centre on the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) IWD 2024 theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
Panelists are:
- Hon. Sandra Husbands, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training
- Tonni-Ann Brodber: Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean.
- Akilah Watts: Artist and owner of Greedy Gift Shop.
- Tamara Gibson: Entrepreneur and owner of Native Caribbean.
The panelists will engage in a thought-provoking dialogue on the importance of investing in women to drive progress and empowerment across various sectors.
In addition to the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to support local businesses at the Women’s Night Market. Four entrepreneurs, including Gibson and Watts, will have their goods on offer.
Senior Lecturer and Head of the IGDS:NBU, Dr. Halimah DeShong, said that the Institute is delighted to continue the partnership with CIBC Caribbean for yet another installation of the IWD Distinguished Lecture Series, which is in its eighth year.
“CIBC Caribbean remains a trusted partner of the IGDS:NBU, as we celebrate the contribution of Caribbean women across various spheres of influence in society. With CIBC Caribbean, we share a commitment to exposing the arrangements which continue to disadvantage large groups of women, and to shed light on how women across various fields are working innovatively to defy existing barriers to gender justice,” Dr. DeShong said. “Previous speakers examined issues related to women in agriculture, legal reform, women in leadership and gender-based violence in Caribbean literature. I am excited that this year we will learn with a distinguished panel of women just what priority actions are necessary to accelerate progress for women, particularly as it relates to advancing women’s economic empowerment.” (PR)
