…as government considers many requests from exhibitors, patrons
THE possibility of making ‘Feminition’ an annual event is being considered by government, following ‘hundreds of requests’ from exhibitors and patrons.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand said so Tuesday in an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle. She deemed the event very successful. ‘Feminition’ has been conceived as another intervention in the empowerment of women and was intended to recognise, highlight and promote their skills, talents, capacities and capabilities.
“I expect that this exposition shall inspire women who exhibit, as well as women who visit the exposition, to greater heights, by encouraging women to take up their place in society as equals, by allowing the necessary networking in groups and services, and by educating about rights and available services,” Manickchand had said of the exposition.
According to her, gender equality would not just benefit women, but also men and children, and that all would develop at a much faster pace.
The three-day expo was held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, with the aim of providing focus on ways of improving one’s self image and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
Art, craft, jewellery, clothing, sweet meats and a variety of other foods were on sale at the event. Entry to the event was free and small manufacturers featured prominently among the exhibitors who took up booths at the expo.
Corporate sponsors, partnering with the Government of Guyana, had done much to subsidise the entire cost of the event, so that many of the booths did not have to be paid for. Meanwhile, government had invested $15M in the project.
The event was declared opened Friday by President Bharrat Jagdeo following an entertaining show. Saturday featured a mega concert with only female artistes, some of whom were international performers and a grand fashion show, featuring popular, local designers, was staged on Sunday.
Minister Manickchand had said that it was “pleasing and extremely encouraging” to see the response of the corporate community. Sponsors included Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), ANSA McAl Trading, Banks DIH Limited, Hits and Jams Entertainment, Impressions, Gem Magazine and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).
The expo included a symposium on women’s issues, an award ceremony for young business women, makeovers, horticulture, hair care, home decorating, and legal aid.
Feminition was designed to showcase the progress achieved by women in Guyana, highlight clearly defined career choices, showcase women’s leadership, create and stimulate employment ideas for some unemployed, and stimulate a drive for women’s entrepreneurship.
Source: https://guyanachronicle.com/2011/06/02/feminition-might-be-an-annual-event