NGHS Non Nobis Foundation hosts IWD seminar focused on empowerment

2026-03-29 - 00:35

The NGHS Non Nobis Foundation hosted its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, “Purple Power for Progress 3” at Naparima Girls’ High School, bringing together women from across the community for a day of meaningful discussion, reflection and empowerment. The seminar, held under the global International Women’s Day theme, “Balance the Scales,” featured a dynamic programme of speakers and interactive sessions addressing issues affecting women today, including relationships, wellness, personal safety and career advancement. The event was expertly moderated by Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Chairman of Regency Recruitment and Resources, who has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Foundation’s seminars since their inception. In her opening remarks, Chairperson of the NGHS Non Nobis Foundation, Camille Ramdial-Cumberbatch, reflected on the importance of spaces that encourage dialogue and empowerment. “Events like this remind us that when women come together to share knowledge, experience and support, we create something truly powerful — and take meaningful steps toward balancing the scales,” she said. The morning sessions included a presentation by Clinical Psychologist Marsha Youssef on Healthy Behavioural Dynamics for Women – Being Mindful in Our Relationships, encouraging participants to reflect on the role of awareness and communication in building healthy connections. A special highlight of the seminar was a literary session presented in collaboration with the Bocas Lit Fest, marking the first time the foundation has formally partnered with another organisation for the event. The session, led by Shivanee Ramlochan, Programme Manager of the Bocas Lit Fest and co-editor of Unstitching Silence: Fiction and Poetry by Caribbean Writers on Gender-Based Violence, featured powerful readings from the anthology by acclaimed author Kevin Jared Hosein, writer Caroline Mackenzie, and poet Neala Luna Bhagwansingh. The anthology explores the complex and often unspoken realities surrounding gender-based violence in the Caribbean, and the session created space for reflection, discussion and deeper understanding. Participants also had access to professional support during the session, with Psychologist Candice Laing-Rodas present to provide guidance should the themes explored evoke emotional responses. The event also marked the soft launch of the foundation’s website at www.nghsnonnobisfoundation.com, announced by Public Relations Officer Trudy Solomon-Doodnath, providing a new online space where the public can learn more about the Foundation’s work and upcoming initiatives.