THE Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) recently held its second annual Girls’ Empowerment Retreat at the School of the Nations Auditorium, bringing together 37 adolescent girls aged 13 to 16 from various organisations, including ChildLink, HIAS Guyana, and the Food for the Poor Youth Development Programme.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Gerardo Noto, in his address at the opening ceremony, emphasised the importance of providing girls with opportunities to realise their potential.
He highlighted that when empowered, girls could envision a world that is inclusive and equitable, advocating for their rights to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The theme of this year’s retreat, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” aligned with the United Nations’ observance of the International Day of the Girl Child.

The programme featured a series of presentations and interactive activities aimed at inspiring and educating participants about personal wellness, science and technology careers, and developing their own visions for the future.
A significant highlight was a session titled “It’s Time to Listen to Girls,” which focused on gathering participants’ insights on how girls could be solutions and architects of change in society.

The engaging discussions reinforced the message that empowered girls not only uplift themselves but also inspire others.
The expected outcomes of the retreat included boosting confidence and self-esteem among participants while emphasising the importance of self-care and personal development.

The overarching message resonated: “Girls are the architects of change, and their dreams have the power to transform societies.”

Rotary International said it is committed to fostering positive change through initiatives aimed at empowering girls.

The RCGC President, Jagdesh Haripershad, expressed gratitude for the support received from sponsors like Rudisa Motor Company Guyana Inc. and Diamond Fire & General Insurance Inc., as well as Distribution Services Limited for providing tokens for participants.
The retreat was facilitated by Rotaract members and Rotarian professionals, showcasing a community effort to inspire the next generation of female leaders.