Today I had an amazing time at the International Women’s Day Luncheon held at the Pegasus hotel in Guyana. I was invited to travel back to my homeland to present an empowerment piece to over 200 women, most of whom were victims of domestic violence.  This year’s theme is “Let the Women Speak – The Revolution Unveiled” and the luncheon was part one of a 2-days of celebrations with on focus on Domestic & Sexual Violence Awareness & Prevention. 

Regional Coordinator of  Caribbean One Billion Group (OBR) Dianne Madray and Sukree Boodram, Founder of Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness Observation (CADVA) hosted the event.  Other speakers included Ramya Ramana, the 2014 NYC Youth Poet Laureate and Boston-native Robin Shaye, award winning Author of the book, ‘Until You Die~The Narcissist Promise.’  Miss Guyana Universe 2104 contestant, Jhoti Hardat and CADVA-UK representative, Ceara Roopchand both shared harrowing stories of witnessing domestic violence against relatives and Ruqquyah Boyer, Miss World Guyana 2013, captivated the crowd with her speech entitled ” A Woman’s Metamorphosis.”

The late Dr. Faith Harding,  who was dubbed Guyana’s Revolutionary Woman, by Dianne Madray was also honored with a tribute which was presented via Skype by her daugher-in-law Lisa Harding.

 

The room was jam packed with an audience filled with women and men and the energy was electric and very emotional. We danced and we cried, but it was simply awesome!  Victims and family members were allowed to share their stories of survival and hope. Tomorrow the celebrations will move to the National Cultural Center in Georgetown for the Red Revolution Gala and cultural presentations where attendees are asked to were a something red signifying strength and solidarity.