The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Ladies, save the date – April 14 – as the Wise Women Festival is all set to “nurture the mind, body and spirit”.

For its fifth instalment, the festival will once again highlight the vital role women play in every arena of life – the corporate sphere, family and church.

The festival’s committee members said they heartened to see how much the event has grown, not only in attendance and reach, but also in its impact.

This year, the festival will be held at a private residence on Yamacraw Road from 12noon to 7 pm.

Highlights of the outdoor event are expected to include a number of presentations by speakers such as Rev Emily Demeritte, who will be addressing the topic “Interceding for Families in Crisis”; Constance Josephs on “Rebuilding Community”; Shenique Miller on “Creating Your Personal Transformation”, Cherrylee Pinder on “Your Image and You”, and Tamishca Richardson on “Women and Their Finances”.

There will be art and craft displays from small business owners, food and drink vendors, clothing, books and plants on sale, as well as entertainment which includes spoken word artist Carlisa Belle, the Heavenbound Liturgical Dancers, and performers from the Jazz Etcetera band. Patrons can also look forward to free demonstrations by Eye Candy Makeup Studio and Dianne Gibson of the 90 Day Transformation fitness programme.

“The inspiration to do this was recognising the need for women to teach other women, especially the older women reaching the younger women, to share life lessons. Often the perception is that women cannot work together or support each other, but this event seeks to dispel that image. It has done so successfully year after year. The event captures all dimensions of womanhood and the role of women in our communities,” said Simmone Bowe, planning committee member.

“The day is intended for women to come away feeling inspired, supported and challenged to improve and enhance their quality of life through new learning.”

The Wise Women Festival was the idea of Justice Cheryl Albury, who wanted to create an avenue to reach women across generations to holistically nurture, inspire and celebrate their growth.

“She gathered a committee of family members and friends who met to organise all the moving parts of the event from logistics to entertainment. The logo for the event is the Sankofa bird, which has great significance in that essentially says the past has lessons that are needed for new learning,” said Ms Bowe.

She is looking forward to making new connections during the upcoming festival and hopes all those who attend will come away from it knowing there is a sisterhood that supports them.

Admission is $2 and all proceeds will go to the Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged. Event information and inquiries are available via the Wise Women Festival Facebook page and by e-mailing wisewomen242@gmail.com.