BAVINA SOOKDEO
The First Citizens Girls First Festival, slated for August 2024 in both Trinidad and Tobago, and extending to Barbados for the first time, is poised to inspire and support girls to realise their full potential.
This groundbreaking conference, founded by group CEO Karen Darbasie, aims to provide a platform for girls between 13 and 18, from diverse backgrounds, to foster personal growth, leadership development and meaningful connections.
Said Darbasie, “We do this through engaging workshops, mentorship opportunities, and interactive activities that can drive knowledge-sharing and networking."
Girls are encouraged to "embrace their unique strengths and talents and are equipped with the tools they need to navigate challenges as they pursue their goals.”
Darbasie said Girls First aims to inspire the next generation to dream big, break barriers and make a difference in the world.
“We wanted to create a space where adolescent girls could come together to support and empower each other in the spirit of sisterhood. By providing mentorship, guidance and opportunities for personal and professional growth, we envision supporting and stimulating a community where girls could feel confident, valued, and empowered...
"I’m really proud that at First Citizens we continue to pioneer initiatives that continue to be a celebration of the incredible potential and boundless possibilities that lie within each and every young woman.”
[caption id="attachment_1068856" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The inaugural First Citizens Girls First Festival attracted close to 300 participants and it has been sold out ever since. Photo courtesy - First Citizens [/caption]
Reflecting on past editions, Darbasie highlights the success of Girls First.
“In terms of impact, the feedback derived from our post-event surveys has overwhelmingly confirmed the success of Girls First in achieving its mission...
"We have also received kudos from teachers, principals and parents who see the positive changes taking place in the lives of attendees as they gain confidence, develop new skills, and form strong friendships."
She said when Girls First started in 2017, it attracted almost 300 attendees.
“That demand has been constant ever since and our annual events have been sold out. During the pandemic, when we took the festival online, free of charge, registration was closed within days...the reach has been phenomenal."
This "sisterhood" has been taken online through the Girls First Instagram page.
"We are excited to build upon this momentum and expand our reach.”
In alignment with this year's IWD theme, Inspire Inclusion, Girls First prioritises diversity and inclusivity. The event features speakers and workshops tailored to different interests and backgrounds.
It aims to drive the point home "that they deserve the space to pursue their diverse dreams, whether that’s in technology, business, agriculture, sports, the arts, or otherwise, so the message is always one of inclusion.”
This thrust, she explained, is support
