-125 exhibitors already confirmed
ONE hundred and twenty-five exhibitors from all ten administrative regions across Guyana have already been confirmed for‘Feminition’ – a three-day Women’s Expo that is to be put on by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security from May 27 to 29. The expo, to be held at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, aims to showcase the skills, talents and creativity of Guyanese women, while at the same time 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 will be on sale at the event. “Name it and you’ll see it,” Human Services Minister Priya Manickchand remarked at a press conference on Friday.
Entry to the event is free and corporate sponsors, partnering with the Government of Guyana, have done much to subsidise the entire cost of the event so that many of the booths do not have to be paid for. Meanwhile, government has invested $15M in the project.
At the conference to provide an update on ‘Feminition,’ Manickchand was joined by representatives of several sponsors in the studios of the National Communications Network (NCN), Homestretch Avenue.
According to her, the event will be declared open Friday by President Bharrat Jagdeo following ‘an entertaining show.’ Saturday will feature a mega concert with only female artistes, some of whom are international performers and a grand fashion show, featuring popular, local designers, is slated for Sunday.
The minister said the Guyana Women’s Artist Association will be showcasing a gallery of products made locally. Paintings will be on sale and the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Housing will also be on board, she said.
A team from the Health Ministry will look into issues affecting women and children and free tests for diabetes, blood pressure, cervical cancer, among others, will be offered.
According to Manickchand, while the Agriculture Ministry will be providing information on the services it offers, the Housing Ministry will be doing many versions of its ‘One Stop Shop’ activity and plans to process applications on the spot.
The minister made reference to the global issues surrounding gender equality as she noted that Guyana is still aiming to attain the status of equality between the genders. “We understand the benefits of doing so,” she remarked.
She said it was “pleasing and extremely encouraging” to see the response of the corporate community. Such sponsors include 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).
In a press statement yesterday, the Human Services Ministry said while it acknowledges the progress made in the status of women, it recognizes that enormous strides are yet to be made in order to enhance their participation in national development.
“In this context, the ministry’s efforts have been wide ranging but notwithstanding this, the task ahead remains a considerable one which requires a bold and creative approach and it is in this regard that we seek your support,” it said.
According to the release, the exposition will include the following:
* A health village – emphasising women’s health
* A symposium on women’s issues
* An award ceremony for young business women
* A fashion show showcasing local designers
* An all-female mega concert
* Makeovers (health and beauty)
* Horticulture
* Body beautiful (gyms)
* Hair care
* Home decorating
* Knowing more about seeking professional assistance
* Legal Aid – the law and you
“It is the ministry’s view that there is an exponential value in highlighting and recognizing the contributions which women have made at the levels of homes, communities and the world of work,” the statement added.
It said among the objectives of the Expo will be to:
* Showcase the progress achieved by women in Guyana
* Highlight clearly defined career choices
* Showcase women’s talents, skills, professionalism, creative and artistic talents
* Women’s leadership
* Highlight successful women
* Emphasize the need for healthy lifestyles, positive self-images, outlooks and self esteem
* Create or stimulate employment ideas for some unemployed
* Create awareness of training and other opportunities for women and young girls
* Highlight the existence and work of various women and stakeholder groups
* Stimulate a drive for women’s entrepreneurship
“Guyanese women possess great talent, artistic skills, intelligence and abilities which once unleashed could transform lives – theirs as well as their dependants and associates. These are some of the visions of Feminition Women’s Expo 2011,” the ministry said.