00:00Secondary school girls from across Tobago gathered for an empowerment symposium held ahead of International Women's Day, which will be
00:10commemorated on Sunday, March 8th.
00:12Students from Signal Hill Secondary, Pentecostal Light and Life Secondary, Roxburgh Secondary, Spaceside Secondary, Harman's School of SDA, Bishop's High
00:22School and Scarborough Secondary participated in a series of workshops and discussions aimed at developing leadership skills and self-confidence.
00:33Trinidad and Tobago has made history as the first Caribbean nation to officially launch a national action plan on women,
00:40peace and security.
00:41This milestone underscores the country's commitment to fostering safer communities and enhancing national security through inclusive and sustainable peace and
00:50building efforts.
00:52The Deputy High Commissioner of Australia said initiatives that support women and girls remain an important area of international cooperation.
01:01Like Trinidad and Tobago, Australia remains deeply committed to the women, peace and security agenda through our own whole of
01:08government national action plan on WPS.
01:11We aim to use diplomacy, defence, development and humanitarian action to support women's participation and protection.
01:20Today's symposium reflects Australia's values and strongly supports leadership, development, mentoring, community service and youth empowerment.
01:29Tobago House of Assembly Secretary of Education Orlando Kerr also addressed the symposium, noting progress made in expanding opportunities for
01:40women and girls.
01:41There was a time on our island when women were seen as lesser than.
01:48And now we are seeing breakthroughs because we have our first Secretary of Finance being a woman.
01:57So it means that we are going beyond those boundaries that were set.
02:04Meanwhile, Secretary for Youth Empowerment and Sport, Keegan De Noon said, programs like this aim to create pathways for young
02:13women to develop skills and pursue future opportunities.
02:17As Secretary, my commitment is clear.
02:20We are strengthening youth programs that build leadership, not just attendance.
02:25We are expanding mentorship that builds confidence, not just conversation.
02:30We are investing in sport as a tool of discipline, teamwork and self-belief.
02:35We are forging partnerships that expose you to global standards of opportunities.
02:40Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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