Basseterre, St. Kitts – October 15, 2022 (Helen’s Daughters) - In observance of International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) on Saturday, October 15, St. Lucia-based non-profit organization, Helen’s Daughters (HD) officially launched a local chapter on the island of St. Kitts.
Since its formation in 2016, HD has contributed to the economic development of women by supporting over 1, 200 female farmers in St. Kitts – Nevis, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia. The network has given women access to training, resources, and opportunities to expand their reach and impact as entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector.
The launch ceremony brought together key speakers and influencers in agriculture including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Mr. Miguel S. Flemming, Chief Director (Policy), Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Ms. Tracy Polius, Board President, Helen’s Daughters SKN, Ms. Empress Stanley, and Board Member, Helen’s Daughters SKN, Mr. Mackie Tross.
Following the theme for this year’s IDRW observance, Cultivating Good Food For All, attendees were introduced to HD’s plans for the Federation including training and financial opportunities unique and applicable to Kittitians and Nevisians. Stories of resilience and inspiration from local farmers were also highlighted.
According to Executive Director of Helen’s Daughters, Keithlin Caroo, the launch highlights the NGO’s commitment to shifting the narrative of women in agriculture so that women are seen, heard, and celebrated in the field.
“When Helen’s Daughters was founded, we wanted to empower rural women to be seen as equal to their male counterparts in the agriculture sector. We were aware that rural women were indeed the pillars of Saint Lucia’s agricultural success, whether on or off the farm".
Over the past few years, we have noted that this is the reality across the Caribbean as well. Our work expanded beyond St. Lucia when the UWI approached us about extending our Ag-Academy to St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Kitts and Nevis. Since then, we have formed an executive body in St. Kitts – Nevis and developed programs and plans to mobilize and support female farmers across the Federation. We look forward to seeing more women leading the industry through our support”.
“The launch ceremony was held at the Department of Agriculture Conference room on October 15, 2022".