AFETT celebrates women of substance

She said women make up 51 percent of the world’s population and are responsible for 66 percent of the world’s development.

“Women possess only one percent of the world’s property and earn only ten percent of the world’s income,” Webster-Roy said.

“These statistics are alarming, however I encourage you not to lose the faith.” Webster-Roy was speaking on Tuesday at Association of Female Executives of TT’s (AFETT) International Women’s Day Women of Influence Awards and Mentorship ceremony, at the National Academy for Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain.

In attendance were Sharon Rowley, wife of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley; students from nine secondary schools; consultant, entrepreneur and owner of Chuck E Cheese’s Trinidad franchise Kristine Thompson, and family and friends of the five awardees.

AFETT’s five awardees were Neysha Soodeen - Business Pioneer Award; Rose McCartha Linda Sandy Lewis (Calypso Rose) - National Spirit Award; Krista Santos - Social Entrepreneur Award, Shannol Ince - Young Female Leader Award, and Colleen Cameron - Spirit of AFETT Award.

Webster-Roy hailed women like Hazel Brown, Professors Patricia Mohammed and Rhoda Reddock who, she said, have blazed the way for women and girls.

“Recently we had Calypso Rose winning the heart of the world by her impactful and uplifting music, winning the World Album of the year award at the Victoire de la Musique award ceremony in France.

We are surrounded by such a great circle of bold and powerful women.” She told the students that they too can be courageous and bold and they do not have to blend in or be like everyone else.