International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 each year, served as a vibrant occasion for a series of events across various sectors this month, showcasing the commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. Numerous organizations organized initiatives highlighting the achievements of women while advocating for broader inclusion and support.
Flow, a telecommunications company, took part in the celebration by engaging over 200 employees in a motivational session on March 13, 2025. This event featured a talk by Roberta Norman-Reverand, the newly appointed director of technology operations, who shared her personal journey and insights on navigating leadership challenges as a woman in the tech industry. According to news from Newsday, Flow’s Vice President and General Manager Simone Martin-Sulgan expressed: “Diversity and inclusion are fundamental drivers of innovation and success.” Her insights came during the signing of the Women-in-Leadership Sustainability Pledge at NGC Green’s Sunrise Sustainability Series event, which reaffirmed Flow's commitment to supporting women in the business sector.
Martin-Sulgan's engagement at the event underscored the intersection between women's leadership and sustainability. The event brought together established and emerging female leaders from across Trinidad and Tobago to discuss these vital themes. As Martin-Sulgan noted, it was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who paved the way in the industry and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Meanwhile, the Church of The Living God (COLG) held its 24th Annual Women’s Day Celebration on March 9, 2025. Hosted by the esteemed Dr. Netreia Carroll, the event featured a powerful message titled, “I’m That Woman.” The local community of San Diego was treated to cultural showcases from talented artists, including the 2017-2021 Prestige Rap Artist of The Year, Charles Egypt. Attendees participating in the theme “Dressed in Favor” reflected on their experiences of being blessed by the Lord’s favor. JoAnn Egypt, a church member, shared her thoughts on the event, stating, “I think the attendees gain a deeper understanding of these remarkable women and how Christ’s favor enables them to navigate their Christian Journey,” reported by SD Voice.
The highlight of COLG’s celebration was the Women of the Year honor awarded to Mrs. Veronica Jones for her hard work, dedication, and generosity toward the community, showcasing the impactful contributions that women can make within their communities.
On March 19, 2025, Women in Food Industry Management (WFIM) also marked International Women’s Day with a networking event at the female-owned Millennium Gardens Banquet Centre. This event drew a crowd of food suppliers and retailers, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support within the industry. The networking event included tabletop exhibitions and two panel discussions focused on retail procurement and challenges women face in the food industry. Industry leaders and panelists included Monica Walker from Healthy Planet, Chris Gruber from Calgary Co-op, and Jackie Dalimonte from Loblaw, among others. Their collective insights underscored the barriers women still contend with while also showcasing strategies for overcoming these challenges.
As the moderator Errol Cerit of FHCP guided the discussions, attendees benefited from sharing knowledge and networking with industry peers, further emphasizing how women in the food industry can share resources and foster connections.
These celebrations across Flow, COLG, and WFIM all point to a broader truth: the ongoing commitment to gender equality remains essential in every sector. Whether through corporate initiatives, community gatherings, or industry discussions, the message rings clear—the need for unwavering support for women continues to be a priority.
International Women’s Day serves not only as a time for celebration but also as a call to action. The reflections and insights shared during these events shine a light on the necessity of fostering gender equity and acknowledging the vital contributions women make every day. With organizations like Flow and community institutions such as COLG taking the lead, there is hope for an inclusive future where all voices are represented and empowered.
