-First Lady tells Essequibo Self Reliance workshop

FIRST LADY, Mrs. Sandra Granger on Monday told the women participating in the seventh session of the Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop that she has high hopes for them, as women have the ability to change a nation.

The First Lady made these remarks at the opening of the workshop, in Essequibo, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two). “I am focusing on Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop for women because all the data shows, throughout the world, that if… a woman succeeds economically she takes her whole family [with her],” the First Lady said.

Mrs. Granger also noted that her main priority at the close of each workshop is to always ensure that each participant is given a certificate that is recognised by the Ministry of Business. “I take this [West African] proverb, which my husband has quoted, ‘you educate a man and you educate an individual. You educate a woman and you educate a nation’. I have very high hopes for you here… if you have been in business for a while you [will] be able to understand a bit more, how you can drive yourselves forward. It is for your independence and for your self-confidence,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Yohann Sanjay Pooran, facilitator at Interweave Solutions Incorporated, recalled that at a recently concluded workshop held in Port Kaituma, Barima-Waini (Region One) the First Lady had emphasised the importance of women speaking up for themselves, even as Mr Pooran noted that this is an important part of them taking ownership of their success. “Speaking for yourself can encompass so many aspects of your life … your pocket, your family, the quality of life that you live… I believe that empowerment element, that ability to speak for yourself forms the major emphasis of this programme,” Mr. Pooran said.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer, Mr Rupert Hopkinson said that every successful business has a chain of spending which it follows and businesswomen have an important role to play. “You are contributors to the development of the nation… When you see yourself as a contributor to national development, you see yourself as being part of the process… [and] you must see yourself as part of the development of ‘the good life’. The Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop has, to date, benefited over 200 women across the regions and from all walks of life.

(Ministry of the Presidency)