The Tribune

Two leading charities focused on empowering young women joined forces with regional bank CIBC FirstCaribbean to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship among young women.

The activities took place as part of the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, which recognised the remarkable strides that have been made towards gender equality and raised awareness of the ongoing struggles of women.

This year, PACE (Providing Access to Continued Education) and the STRAW Inc Centre (Strengthening, Transforming, Restoring, and Affirming young Women) – two local organisations that seek to provide positive intervention and resources in the lives of young women – highlighted the importance of financial literacy in everyday life and as a tool for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. They both received donations from CIBC FirstCaribbean, their partner in bringing financial savvy and interactive financial presentations to young girls.

PACE is a programme that enables first-time pregnant, school-age girls to continue their education and gain entrepreneurial skills. To mark International Women’s Day, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Antionette Turnquest talked to the young women about creating a vision for success, the importance of business and interview techniques, and how to utilise social media to your advantage.

STRAW hosted its 14th annual Girls’ Leadership conference at the British Colonial Hilton on March 16. CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Beulah Arthur and Stacia Williamson conducted a financial literacy seminar on behalf of the bank as part of the educational line-up.

PACE President Jackie Knowles said: “We’re happy to partner once again with CIBC FirstCaribbean for International Women’s Day. PACE continues to be a necessary component for our society because there will always be teen pregnancy. I think it’s important to show our girls that their history doesn’t have to become their destiny. We try to give them the best tools for success, and financial literacy can be a major part of their personal journeys.”

STRAW’s Executive Director Therena Cunningham said: “It’s crucial that we teach our young women how to earn money, budget, save, and use it to their advantage. Financial literacy is lacking in the Bahamas, but it’s important for these girls to understand how money works and how to make it work for them. We want our young women to feel bold, courageous, and strong about everything they’re doing, including the financial aspects of their lives.”