By Vanessa W.
McIntosh
College of The Bahamas Student
Since 2012, the United Nations has observed the International Day of the Girl Child. The day is set aside to celebrate ‘The Girl’ as a valuable part of society.
This year, the United States Embassy hosted a panel discussion at the American Corner of the Harry C. Moore library at the College of The Bahamas. Participants included girls from Bethel Baptist Church and two troupes from local Girl Guides and Brownies organisations. During the forum, the girls met female leaders who have broken the glass ceiling and have made an indelible impact in the country.
Meet Erin Brown, the athlete. “I’m training for the triathlon,” she says. “I swim, I run, and I cycle.” Few would guess that Erin wears a prosthetic leg. She was diagnosed with bone cancer when she was 23 and had her leg amputated in 2004. Since then, Erin has travelled extensively as a motivational speaker using her experience to provide support and create awareness for persons living with and affected by disabilities.
Missouri Sherman-Peter, 2013 recipient of the United States Embassy’s prestigious Woman of Courage Award and former co-chair of the Inter-Ministry Trafficking in Persons Committee, has lived and worked in over 100 countries. As a former employee of the United Nations, she has represented the Bahamas at various international conferences. She encourages young women to see the possibilities that exist beyond the islands of the Bahamas.
Christine Campbell, officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, and U.S. State Department alumnus, stressed the importance of courage and confidence – deeming them two of the best qualities a woman could have.
Therena Cunningham, also a U.S. State Department alumnus, serves as president of S.T.R.A.W. Inc., a non-profit organisation for young women that promotes empowerment and self-esteem. Her advice is simple: “Pursue your dreams… find one thing that you are good at and be better at it than anyone else.”
Following a dynamic discussion, the panelists and young female participants engaged in an interactive question and answer session. Erin Brown, Christine Campbell, Missouri Sherman-Peter, and Therena Cunningham are proof-positive that women are superheroes. These women are the role models that young women need to truly believe they can be anything they dream of. Their personal stories ring of courage, empowerment, selflessness and determination.
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