NASSAU, The Bahamas – As The Bahamas celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child along with the global community, a women and girls mentoring coalition will be launched at Government House, on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, made this announcement at the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, Thursday, October 3.  Also present at the announcement were representatives from the partnering government ministries including the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Health.  Non-governmental organizations will also be take part in the coalition.

Mrs. Minnis said, “The mission of the coalition is to train, motivate and empower women and girls through mentorship organizations, and assist in funding programmes through national and international partnerships. 

“The purpose of the coalition is to bring more effective and efficient delivery of programmes; to design and obtain funding for and/or run a needed intervention in the community; to increase communication among groups and breakdown stereotypes; to revitalize the sagging energies of member groups who are trying to do much; and to create long-term social change.”

Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director of Gender and Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, explained that the partnership of groups is very critical to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  She noted that the UN is asking organizations and governments to partner to strengthen the work that needs to be done for, and on behalf of, women and girls. 

Dr. Higgs stated that the theme this year for the International Day of the Girl Child is ‘GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable.’  However, The Bahamas will use, ‘Take the Limits Off.’

Another activity for this year’s celebration will include a group of girls who were victims of Hurricane Dorian, and a few of their caregivers, being treated to a fun day at SuperClubs Breezes, Friday, October 11.  That is the resort’s contribution to the International Day of the Girl Child.