Women focus of year long campaign

(CNS): In addition to the activities planned for Honouring Women Month in March, government has announced a year-long calendar of events to mark the 15th year of the special observance. Under this year’s theme "Strong Girls. Strong Women. Strong World", the Family Resource Centre (FRC) is partnering with the community to organise a month of activities and events. First is the publication of a community calendar that will include public events for the year and inspirational quotes. Images will also be used to depict positive messages about women and girls.

“This calendar will serve as a powerful reminder that we have a strong community made up of organisations that aimto bring awareness and make it a great place for all to live,” said Dwayne Seymour, who recently became the community affairs minister.

Planned as a fundraiser, the calendars will be available for sale at a cost of CI$10 each. Proceeds will go towards programmes and services offered by FRC that empower girls and women in the community.

Whether it is a photo, poem or essay, FRC is urging the public to contribute a piece of art to the calendar. Companies and organizations are also encouraged to submit their community events to be featured. All submissions must be made by Wednesday, 15 February. An award will be given to those selected.

Encouraging public participation, FRC’s Programme Coordinator Miriam Foster emphasised that citizens and residents should view it as a community-minded calendar made by community-minded people.

Companies and organisations can also sponsor a month in the calendar. With an opportunity for advertisement, each sponsor’s name and logo will be featured in the calendar for that particular month.

The calendar will be revealed at International Women’s Day Ceremony on 8 March 2013, at the National Gallery. The event is geared towards families of all ages and everyone is invited to attend.

“I encourage all to do their part and help celebrate girls and women in our community, by recognising their strengths and their ability to lead,” said Foster. 

For more information on Honouring Women Month festivities, to become a sponsor or submit a photo for the calendar, contact 949-0006 or email frc@gov.ky.

Meanwhile, seven young women successfully completed the Young Parent Services Programme last month to enhance their parenting skills and prepare for the world of work. Facilitated by Family Resource Centre, the programme provides the tools for positive parenting and helps young parents understand themselves and make positive changes

As well as the ability to provide the proper care needed to raise a young family, participants also gain employment skills. “It has been wonderful to see these young mothers blossom and make a commitment toward becoming better parents and employees,” Foster added.

Throughout the course, individuals also receive psychological and emotional support from programme facilitators and counsellors. The programme also addresses potential risk for child abuse and neglect. In addition the Health Services Authority (HSA), Department of Children & Family Services and other community partners provide other psycho-educational components. Once certain criteria are achieved, clients become eligible for work experience.

To become a sponsor of any of the programmes and services offered at FRC, companies are encouraged to contact Miriam Foster at 949-0006 or email frc@gov.ky.