The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

WOMEN were encouraged to live their greatness at the recently held women’s empowerment seminar and social “Recharge” CALLING all Bahamian women to “Recharge”.

“While many events focus on female health, hygiene and beauty, and they are all important, I believe that the core of our beauty emanates from within. It is the negative thoughts, limiting beliefs and negative self talk that hinder us from becoming who we need to be. So we want “Recharge” to do more than motivate, but to also inspire to action,” said event organiser and transformation strategist Simmone Bowe.

She said in her own experience, she has found there are few forums for women where they can openly share in a safe environment about their struggles, pains and successes.

Held at the Crab House on Collins Avenue last Friday, the seminar was filled with inspirational music and spoken word performances by Bodine Johnson, Cazna Hinds, the Sage and All For One Band. Ms Bowe said music speaks where people cannot, so the music was intended to touch and reach the soul. As a part of the live performances, Ms Bowe said there was also a surprise selection done by guest artist Julien Thompson.

“Women need to understand their true purpose and not be overwhelmed by the roles they play, such as wife, mother, worker, entrepreneur, professional. They should recommit their focus and energy on what is truly important for them. So as I reflected on how I wanted to serve women in my work, the concept of “Recharge” was born as a safe place where a small group of women can gather to be inspired to make the necessary changes to live their ideal lives,” said Ms Bowe.

Speakers at the event included life coach, counsellor and founder of Eve’s Journey Stanya Davis, Melisa Hall and Sherika Brown of Iron Network, who delivered her signature message on the topic “I am worth it”. It focused on helping people to understand and live up to their worth.

Ms Davis presented on “Why I Make the Choices I Make”, encouraging the women to love themselves enough to make choices that will advance their lives and well-being, and not detract from it.

“Can I Be Your Superwoman?” was addressed by Melisa Hall of Kingdom Women in Business and it dealt with the questions: Can women do it all? Can women have a family, be a wife, be successful in the workplace/entrepreneurship and cater to all the needs and feel fulfilled?

“Real Women, Real Talk, and Real Relationships” was an open-mic session led by Dr Wayne Thompson. Dr Thompson addressed the real issues that women face in themselves as a person and in their relationships. From sexuality, divorce and separation to success, gender roles and others.

Ms Bowe said the seminar’s theme “Recharge, Renew, Redesign, Reignite” reflects the way she hoped women felt at the end of the event; recharged to re-enter their world with a better sense of focus, priority and commitment.

After a successful first event, Ms Bowe said she is hoping to host another in June and a power summit in November. The June event will take a slightly different format, instead featuring an international speaker along with local presenters, said Ms Bowe. The November summit will feature some of the top female speakers in the Bahamas today, she said.