Several women were recognised and awarded for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of equality in society during the 2025 Women of Influence Award Celebrations, hosted by the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT) on Saturday.
Among those recognised were bilingual (Spanish/English) Psychologist Greisy Gonzalez; Attorney Renee Atwell; WPC Rheanne Moore; National Service Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, Gachelle Gilkes-Edwards; and foreign language teacher and entrepreneur Abeni Taylor.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT), Tamica Charles, as they become catalysts for change, women must continue to build discipline and resilience as both are key requirements for leaders and influencers.
“As change agents and leaders, women must be prepared to hear many no’s and have the strength of mind to adapt and continue pressing forward. We must develop an attitude of stick-to-itiveness that says even when we least feel like it, we must move forward.”
There was also a panel discussion centred on the United Nations International Women’s Day 2025 theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.’
Director of Research and Public Advocacy at AFETT, Jenelle Fraser, noted the importance of such dialogue.
“This evening’s discussion will firstly dissect the theme. Thereafter, our distinguished panel of experts will ventilate strategies to advance gender equality amid global pushback and explore means to sustain momentum, defend our hard-won rights, and intentionally shape equality beyond the walls of discussion such as these.”
According to the founder and convener of the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Terry Dale, change is forever constant, and all of society must continue working towards true equality.
“Many women from Trinidad and Tobago and other parts of the region and, of course, the entire world went all the way to Beijing to demand that we be looked at as equal partners, not beholden people who you have to help along, but recognise the value that women bring, the value that we constantly, even when we are not recognised, we continue to bring, the contributions we’re making, and so let’s start with there.”
Four new members of AFETT were also welcomed on Saturday.