FIRST Lady Sandra Granger said that young girls must seek knowledge and pursue their ambitions fearlessly so that they may be “economically empowered” in the modern age.

Speaking at a girls’ empowerment session held at the School of the Nations, the First Lady said, “It is no secret that empowered girls and women are crucial to the development of their families, their communities, their country and the world.”

She however related that in the modern age of technology and changing culture, many jobs will become obsolete, particularly those done by women. It is for this reason she urged the young girls to take up unconventional jobs particularly in the area of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“So ladies,” she said, “We have to position ourselves to seize the opportunities that will help us in becoming economically empowered… education is key.”

And to this end, she acknowledged that traditional thinking on the part of some in society will be a hindrance to girls pursuing these fields, but that should not deter the girls.

The First Lady posited, “Prejudice is still existent there, but that must not stop you from choosing your own career and fulfilling your dream.”

She also noted that while the Constitution of Guyana provides for the basic and fundamental rights of all people, females are faced with a myriad of challenges from domestic violence to teenage pregnancy and even cyber bullying.

Pointedly she said, “It is not okay for a woman or child to be physically or verbally abused by anyone; it is not okay for the dreams of our girl children to be limited to perceptions of what is so called women’s work and [what] some old fashioned people believe is a woman’s place in society.” According to her, marriage, family and career choices should ultimately be up to the individual.

And she acknowledged that mass media portrays a certain standard that females need to adhere.

“Girls are also asked to focus on their physical appearance and follow the latest fashion and makeup trend and this they say, will make you wildly popular and more sought after among your peers,” she highlighted and affirmed, “This is not true, we come in all shapes and sizes with a range of skills and talents.”

The empowerment session was organised by the sixth form students of the institution as a fundraiser for the students’ endeavours to engage in an exchange programme in Canada. Young girls were treated to a day of activities that sought to build kinship, empower each other and generally strengthen the cadre of young upcoming female professionals. Additional speakers included reigning Miss Guyana World, Ambika Ramraj and local media personality, Wanita Huburn.