– As Feminition 2011 opens
Feminition, the first ever women’s exposition, was officially declared open last evening at the Guyana National Stadium Providence with hundreds of persons from all walks of life turning up to celebrate women.
The expo was officially declared open by President Bharrat Jagdeo with him lauding the accomplishments of women to the development of Guyana over the year. He said the main purpose of executing Feminition was because of “recognizing the contributions women have made in Guyana” and the Caribbean.
The president also said that even though it is believed widely that women are not traditionally risk takers that may not necessarily be true since in his opinion the “greatest risk taken by women is giving birth to children.” Jagdeo also acknowledged the fact that “girls do better in the education system than boys” and as such that translates to better educated and qualified women being placed in top managerial and administrative positions.
The layout on the National Stadium tarmac was well thought out as booths were separated by special “avenues” dedicated to outstanding women in Guyanese and Caribbean history. Two of the more notable women recognized were Winifred Gaskin whose accomplishments span education, women’s activism and accomplishments as an outstanding Diplomat. The first Guyanese and Caribbean female President Janet Jagan was also prominently recognized by the organizers.
An exhibit which epitomizes the true essence of what the framers of Feminition had in mind was one put on by the Guyana Women Artist Association. The exhibits of 10 members of the association are prominently displayed among which are paintings in various styles such as acrylic, pencil art and dried art creatively assembled to capture the attention of anyone who sees them. A very unique exhibit among the collection by the Women Artists’ are those of honorary member Urma Cramer, who makes beautiful and creative hats, shoes, handbags and even paintings from specially preserved fish scales.
President of the Association Jynell Osborne said she is grateful for the opportunity given by Feminition for members to display their creative pieces to members of the public. Osborne also said that a major hurdle facing members of the association is the “lack of financial support but I am hoping that this serves as an opportunity to reverse that trend.”
Habiba McGregor, a clothing designer, was also thankful for the opportunity to display her craft and said in her view the expo is “good to empower women everywhere” since women from all across the country were given the opportunity to have their products and services put on display over the three day period.
One of the largest banking institutions in Guyana and the region, Republic Bank, was also on show and according to information obtained from the staff members present over 70% of the bank’s staff are females and as such the expo provides the perfect opportunity to have that fact shown to the general public. Two notable contributions made by the bank into the development of women are the partnership with St. Ann’s orphanage; where young orphan girls are housed and the partnership with EMPRETEC; which provides support for women who operate small and medium scale businesses and helps them to expand.
– By Andrew Ross