THE Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts plans to host a women’s empowerment forum on March 6, ahead of International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8.According to a release from the Ministry of State, the event will be hosted in collaboration with a Trinidadian group named ‘Oxygen with Nicole’ (O2N).

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, was apprised of this yesterday when the founders of both organisations called on him at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office. They are local designer, Sonia Noel, who is a veritable household name here, and O2N’s Nicole Dyer of Trinidad. They were accompanied by Caribbean fashion guru, Richard Young.
Again, according to the release, the idea was well received by Minister Harmon, who offered to lend his support in whatever way he can.
Dyer, who is elated that her vision for women’s networking and women’s liberation is finally bearing fruit regionally, said she is earnestly looking forward to all the collaborative energy that would be brought to bear in advancing the cause to ensure a bright, equal, safe and rewarding future for women and girls.
This initiative, the release said, couldn’t come at a better time, as Guyana continues to push for gender equality and women’s empowerment given the demand for integration of women in all sectors of society.
The venue of the event will be made known today during a press conference at the Marriott Hotel, where the facilitators will be more forthcoming about the details.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence yesterday at her office, where they deliberated on issues related to women’s empowerment in Guyana.
While they had the minister’s ear, they used the opportunity to discuss with her Guyana’s collaborating with O2N on a wider scale.
This programme was already held in several Caribbean countries to address women’s issues.