Three exceptional women recognized

Three ‘Exceptional Women’ who have contributed to national development in various sectors in Dominica were recognized and awarded on Tuesday.

The awardees are President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) and Principal of the Community High School, Celia Nicholas, Manager of Healthy Lifestyle and Corporate Wellness Services, Nurse Priscilla Prevost and Former Coordinator of the National HIV and AIDS Response Unit, Nurse Julie Frampton.

They were honoured at a special ceremony held at the Digicel Flagship Store in Roseau as part of International Women’s Day.

Member of the Bureau of Gender of Affairs, Melissa Morgan, who presented the awards said they were selected through a democratic process.

“These women were not selected by the Bureau of Gender Affairs or Digicel,” she said. “They were actually selected through a democratic process by the gender focal point and some of our dedicated partners,” she stated. “So these women, all around through all ministries, these were the women who were selected for the award.”

According to her, the criteria for selected the three included they having made a significant contribution in whatever sector they were working – health, education and inspirational role model for young women – and one whose personal interest or professional commitment has impacted the socio-economic community and wider society.

Nicholas, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, expressed deep gratitude to all the individuals and the organizing firms which took the initiative in organizing the program.

“It is always said that when you are awarded and when you are brought before the public eye it’s no easy thing,” she said. “It is a greater commitment on oneself to uphold what they know you are for and you are expected to do much better.”

In light of the celebration of International Women’s Day, she encouraged women and young girls to celebrate themselves, “as a woman, as a young girl.”

“In spite of what has happened, remember God is with you and God is everywhere,” she noted.

The activity was made possible by the Ministry of Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs, the Bureau of Gender Affairs, in collaboration with Digicel Dominica, the Dominica National Council of Women, and Lifeline Ministries, among other partners.