THE Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) in association with the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts, and the Ministry of Business will be hosting their first ever ‘Women in Expo’ exhibition at the Pegasus Hotel tomorrow. The event, proposed to be an annual undertaking, will begin at 11:00hrs and conclude at 18:00 hrs.
According to a release from WASD, other partners in the venture are the Ministry of Social Protection; the Guyana Business Coalition; the Pegasus Hotel; NCN; Star Party Rentals; DnA Marketing; Ming’s Products and Services Limited; and Icon Media.

UNIQUE BLEND OF WOMEN
Seeing that it is in keeping with the theme for International Women’s Day this year, WASD says the exhibitors are a unique blend of women between the ages 19 and 65 with a diverse array of products and services.
“These women,” WASD says, “are farmers, environmentalists, up-cyclers and recycling crafters, event planners, artists, immigration consultants, barristers, fashion designers, wood crafters, body and hair care consultants, manufacturers, jewellery designers, fitness experts and much more, representing Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.”
It was also noted in the release that highlights of the exhibition will be a marketing workshop, which will be facilitated during the morning session by Dr Eric Phillips, and another on book-keeping by Scotiabank. The closing session will feature a grand finale showing of Sonia Noel’s 50th anniversary collection.
“Throughout the day,” the release says, “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 specialised service to hair industry practitioners.
It was noted too that some of the Guyanese manufacturers have expressed an interest in attracting investment, and seeking distribution liaisons to expand their brand equity.

MOTIVATIONAL TALK
Meanwhile, on Sunday, 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.
“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.”