The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE HAND that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. And since women are usually the one’s nurturing and raring children, they are valuable to the future of any society.

This is one of the messages instilled in high school students, during the Zonta Club of Nassau’s half day seminar. The organisation hosted the event in recognition of the International Day of the Girl Child, a United Nations initiative which is observed on October 11.

The young girls heard messages about self worth, healthy relationships, and making positive choices.

Annmarie Bain, director of the Zonta Club of Nassau, said the event sowed a seed they hope continues to grow and blossom in the lives of each young girl in attendance.

“We tied this event to the International Day of the Girl which is celebrated world wide. Some of the girls do not often hear the messages of their worth so therefore we put together this program. These girls really need to know their worth as a citizen, and we try to instil their value not only in the Bahamas but their value in the world, so that they can make the right choices. We want to show them that what is happening to them today does not have to influence a negative life,” she told Tribune Woman.

Cherrylee Pinder, director of Area 3, Zonta International District 11 was one of the speakers; her message was based on the value of a girl.

“The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules. When you rock the cradle, you are dealing with a child and you are the person who takes care of them and are ultimately responsible for their outcome.

“It is important that girls are recognised because they hold a very important role in society. They are our future mothers, leaders and so without them being recognised and being made to feel valued and feel special, we would create a whole generation of women who do not realize their dreams, their potentials, and women who make the poor choices. This impacts our entire society,” she told Tribune Woman.

Ms Pinder said she also wants the young girls to realise that “society cannot benefit from women who have unfulfilled, shattered dreams.”

“I think the message I shared is relevant and I think our young women are made to feel inferior by a whole gamut of people including the family and peers. I am hoping that my talk today really gets them to see they cannot allow haters or naysayers to dictate who they are or define them,” she said.

Donna Nicolls, volunteer counsellor at the Bahamas Crisis Centre presented on healthy relationships. She said young girls are faced with numerous examples of toxic relationships, and need to know that those relationships are a detriment to their well being.

“Children do not listen, they imitate. So what we do as adults is how we inform children. Most of the relationships that we see around now are toxic and that is why it is important for the children to understand that what they see is not what it is or what it should be. We want them to see that healthy relationships are possible and achievable. In order for them to have healthy relationship they must understand how to develop their own positive self traits and how to recognize red flag behaviour and dialogue that is meant to trap. So if they have a good sense of self and understand the things you have to look for they will be able to have healthy relationships.

“What girls should recognise is that the female energy is what gives birth. Women are birthers and nurturers and if girls understand how important they are in that role, and that they have this positive divine energy then they will not allow anyone to use and abuse them,” she said.