Empowering Women

Fifteen young women between the ages of 16 to 35 are now walking proof of the benefits of Project Queens – Empowered Women, Empower Women.

The project, an accredited course in nail technology, was held at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute and catered to the entrepreneurial needs of its participants. Youth Commissioner and Project Coordinator, Melissa Forde explained that the name of the project was chosen as a reminder to the participants that “they have a voice, they can make their choices and they have the right to influence social change among themselves and others”.

The course focused on both the theoretical and practical aspects of nail technology. The students learned how to do manicures, pedicures, gel, and acrylics nails. The programme took a holistic approach as it also catered to the personal development of the young women. Soft skills such as mental and sexual health were also incorporated into the course. The participants all lauded the course for its in-depth syllabus and saw it as an avenue for starting their own business.

Another component of the course was a six-week job attachment at Le Glitz Nail Salon in Government Hill, St. Michael. Owner and Operator Ann-Marie Price has also agreed to hire one of the participants in the salon at the end of the attachment period. The young ladies were presented with their certificates by Forde at the Ministry’s Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall office, upon completion on February 16, 2023.