International Women’s Day is observed every year around the world on March 8. This year will be extra special for the women of St. Maarten as the Elektralyets and Positive foundations, in collaboration with Posh Productions and the Women’s Desk St. Maarten, have teamed up for this year’s activities in observation of Women’s History Month.
WomanityFest was the brainchild of Mercedes “Elektra” van der Waals-Wyatt, when many years ago, she started providing corporate workshops and empowerment motivational talks in the community. Companies purchased WomanityFest T-shirts for the female staff to wear on International Women’s Day and every Friday for the month of March.
The Elektralyets Foundation hosted various other activities like a women’s expo, PSA’s on radio, TV and girl-talks with various elementary schools and have collaborated with other women organisations like Safe Haven and Positive Foundation.
Being an organisation that helps to bring about awareness and workshops to women about breast cancer, Positive Foundation President Shelly Alponso is very elated be part of WomanityFest. “This collaboration is a great way to work together to reach all women as it concerns getting checked and being breast-aware.”
Directress of Posh Productions, Anna Richardson very enthusiastically approached Positive and Elektralyets foundations and a collaboration was born. Posh Productions hosted its 1000th Women Unity March last year and wanted to unite women together from St. Maarten. Posh Productions is renowned for its top class queen pageants and innovative etiquette on training women and girls in poise, self-esteem and confidence to become great island ambassadors of our country St. Maarten.
The three entities proceeded to work together and invited the Women’s Desk of St. Maarten to collaborate with them. Women’s Desk representative Elencia Baptiste-Boasman is very happy to collaborate with various women groups to unite and be a part of the WomanityFest party. An initial contact meeting was held with a few other women organisations like SXM Women Strong and Safe Haven.
“The vision is to unite as many women and women organisations, clubs, foundations, business professionals and sports group as possible for WomanityFest as we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Women are the building pillars of this community and it is wonderful that a day has been dedicated to celebrate and empower women and girls of all walks of life on St. Maarten.
“In keeping in tune with the International Women’s Day theme, we want to raise the glass ceiling and do something extra special for the women of our community. After the devastations of hurricanes Irma and Maria, many women had to pull together to feed, nurture and help with the rebuilding processes of our country,” said Elektralyets Foundation President Mercedes “Elektra” Wyatt. “Bringing women together to help empower each other for the future we all face shows resilience, fortitude and commitment not only to ourselves but to our nation and country ‘OUALICHI’ – land of many women – as given to us by our ancestors. It’s only fitting that we continue to uplift and uphold our namesake. We want to pay homage to strong spirited women like One Tete Loke, pioneers in various fields of professionalism.”
WomanityFest will consist of various activities throughout the month of March including the following:
March 8: International Women’s Day
WOW Glitz and Glam – Women of Worth Social
Opening cocktail party, speeches, networking and entertainment
Venue: Holland House Beach Hotel
Time: 6:00-10:00pm
Dress code: Shades of purple
Entrance: FREE
March 9: Four Faces of Women
Empowerment Workshop conducted by Sister Devki of Bhrama Kumaris
Venue: Belair Community Centre
Time: 2:00-5:00pm
1000 Women Unity March (Posh Productions)
March 31: Hats, Heels and Clutches Brunch/Lunch
[Details are forthcoming and a calendar of activities will be published]
The theme for United Nations International Women’s Day 2019, which will take place on March 8, is “Think Equal, Build Smart and Innovate for Change”.
The theme will focus on innovative ways to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.
The future is exciting. Let’s build a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play all the time, everywhere. From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence. Balance drives a better working world. Let's all help create a #BalanceforBetter.
For more information and participation in WomaityFest events and activities, contact Elektra at 523-7418 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Shelly Alphonso at 580-9658 or positivefoundation@ caribserve.net, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 520-6291.
