The Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) in association with the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts and Ministry of Business  will be hosting the first annual Women in Expo showcase at the Pegasus Hotel from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs on Saturday, March 05.

A release from WASD noted that other partners of the event are the Ministry of Social Protection, Guyana Business Coalition, the Pegasus Hotel, NCN, Star Party Rentals, DnA Marketing, Mings Products and Services and Icon Media.

According to WASD, in keeping with the 2016 theme for International Women’s Day, the exhibitors would be a unique blend of women from ages 19 to 65 with a diverse array of products and services.

“These women are farmers, environmentalists, up-cyclers and recycling crafters, event planners, artists, immigration consultants, barristers, fashion designers, wood crafters, body and hair care consultants, manufacturers, jewellry designers, fitness experts and much more representing Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname,” the release stated.

It was noted that highlights of the exhibition would be a marketing workshop facilitated in the morning by Eric Phillip and a book-keeping workshop conducted by Scotiabank closing with a grand finale showing of Sonia Noel’s 50th anniversary collection.

“Throughout the day there would be free make-overs and lots of samples and giveaways. Great expectations are in store with the possibilities of new business prospects and investment potential. Dr Germaine Williams-Beckles, leading Trinidadian trichologist and beauty science columnist is thrilled to be part of this Expo.”

According to the release, Dr Williams-Beckles is looking forward to establishing links and continuing the dissemination of her specialized service to hair industry practitioners. It was noted that some of the Guyanese manufacturers have expressed interest in attracting investment and seeking distribution liaisons to expand their brand equity.

Meanwhile, on March 06, prominent Trinidadian social activist, Nicole Dyer-Griffith would be presenting her formidable and impactful motivational and empowerment experience – Oxygen with Nicole, O2N – at the ballroom of the Pegasus Hotel from 15:00 hrs.

This event, moderated by international creative director, Richard Young, kicks off the week commemorating International Women’s Day and is under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Cohesion in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, Scotiabank and the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts.

“Ms Dyer-Griffith’s vision for women’s networking and liberating will come alive through her inspirational communication, further exemplified by other social influencers – Sonia Noel, Roshini Boodhoo, Meleesa Payne, Setra O’Selmo and Sabanto Tokoroho,” the release stated.

According to WASD, the events are timely now that Guyana is experiencing a turnaround in the way human beings confront socio-economic realities.

“Traditional values on sustainable development and economic independence have been reevaluated to make way for an unbiased, non-discriminatory, unprejudiced benchmark on role playing, in charting the best possible way forward for future generations. In this regard, our women have empowered themselves by redefining their roles and have sought to make distinctive marks on the totem pole of social development.”