On Monday the 7th of March 2022 I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry‘s Women Empowerment Seminar which was held at the Hilton Hotel, Needham’s Point.

The seminar was centered around Women Empowering and Encouraging each other. Women have always been classified as the weaker and more docile of , however in this era, women have become more self-aware, and females have proven that they can compete and exceed their male counterparts in any task given.

The seminar was a revelation for me as an upcoming entrepreneur the panelist touched on topics that resonated with me on a more emotional level. Some days you struggle not just mentally but physically with the effects of depression, it is difficult especially when your family is depending on you.

Suffering with depression can stunt your progress making even simple menial tasks, e.g. – getting out of bed, returning a phone call, even cleaning, or maintaining your work or living space is hard to accomplish daily. As a lady who battles with my mind over body day by day, it was refreshing to know that I was not alone in this fight to maintain normalcy in my life.

Retired Principal of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus Professor the Most Honorable Eudine Barriteau made me sit up straight in my chair and listen, valid points were provided that directly correlated with how I try to run and maintain my business.

As an entrepreneur, competing against recognized institutions and prominent individuals can be tiresome however finding the right niche even if the service you are providing has been done a million times the fact remains that your unique approach will make your product or service stand out among the masses.

Sueann Tannis came with a different strategy which will assist when mental fatigue occurs her motto consist of a five-point plan encouraging people to “Practice the Pause” her process includes self actualization which in itself is a procedure most people don’t want to attempt, that process is about rediscovering who yourself is,

It’s about getting back to the basics as it relates to your self-discovery and finding out what makes you happy and provides genuine joy in your life this process can be very emotional but it is well worth it as you will experience peace.

The seminar touched on how as Mothers, Sisters, Aunts or Nieces we’re expected to do it all. Cater to everyone, have a career, raise the children, cook, wash, clean and don’t complain just submit because from the beginning of time that was the unwritten rule. In 2022 the gender roles have been reversed, stay at home dads have become a part of society’s norm, partners now assist with household chores women are no longer accepting the bare minimum.

Ladies now use their voice to communicate and state what they require and what would be allowed. They have started encouraging their partners to express themselves, women no longer pacify their male partners or in some cases female partners. As we advance as a society, customs and practices must also evolve. Change, even though it will be hard, is always inevitable.

Women empowering Women is essential. As a female, I have realized we have this one fundamental flaw; we strive to tear each other down. I honestly pray that we stop that thought process and strive to embrace each other and assist when you see your sister’s Crown falling.

• Richelle Lavine is a multi talented Writer, Journalist, Personal Chef, Teacher and Proud Mother.
  She is a very diligent and focused individual and when she sets her sights on a project she always exceeds expectations.
  Sucessfully reporting on the January 19th Election Polls for VOB 92.9, Ms Lavine teaches Primary and Secondary students who are taking both Common Entrance and CSEC.