–after successfully completing ExxonMobil Foundation’s Global Women in Management (GWIM) programme

SOME 18 Guyanese women are now equipped with critical leadership and management skills after graduating from the Global Women in Management (GWIM) programme, which was sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation.

According to a press statement from ExxonMobil, the six-month programme was launched in September and participants were drawn from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community institutions, women’s associations and businesses.

The programme was designed to build participants’ capacity to strengthen their institutions and businesses by implementing high quality, replicable projects.

At a recent graduation ceremony, leadership coach and guest speaker, Rawle Dundas, urged the participants to ensure they utilise their new knowledge.

“My challenge to you is to stride forward confidently with those new tools, understanding that tools are only as good as the hands of the person who uses them. But because you special women have embraced this initiative of being leaders, and not just another person in a management position or in a position of responsibility, you know your role as leaders is about making a difference,” Dundas said.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Community Relations Manager, Suzie De Abreu, said that the company’s support for the programme was in keeping with its core beliefs.

To this end, she said: “Enhancing the communities in which we live and operate is an important aspect of ExxonMobil Guyana’s social responsibility. Providing opportunities like this programme forms part of our commitment to women’s empowerment and knowing, as we do, that empowered women empower others, I am truly excited to see how you infuse that into your communities.”

The programme offered weekly, live facilitated sessions along with self-guided assignments, group work, and workshops. Participants also received coaching and are now part of a global and country-level alumni network of almost 1,000 women from 77 countries.

The ExxonMobil Foundation has invested some $40 million into the local GWIM project in support of women empowerment.