THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FORUM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (IWFTT) will honour four outstanding daughters of Trinidad and Tobago, at our third annual Inspirational Women Awards Gala on Tuesday 17th September 2024. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain.
The Inspirational Women Awards Gala, is the signature annual event of the International Women’s Forum of Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT). These Awards are integral to delivering IWFTT’s core purpose: To unite, inspire, and celebrate accomplished women. To advance exemplary leadership, while learning from and supporting each other, and empowering the next generation of women leaders. The nominee’s values should also align with IWFTT’s core values of Aspiration, Commitment, Collaboration, Courage, and Integrity.
ELIGIBILITY
- Current IWFTT members are not eligible
- Former members of IWFTT are eligible for nomination
- Nationals, citizens or residents of Trinidad and Tobago
- Posthumous awards will not be considered
- Awardees must be present at the awards ceremony
The Gala is hosted annually, and the planning committee is chaired by the Forum’s Vice President with membership of the planning committee comprising of max. 7 other members of the Forum.
AWARD CATEGORIES & CRITERIA 
This award celebrates a woman whose entire life has been dedicated to the service of others, and whose impact on women has been substantial.
- Must have an extensive body of work that demonstrates the impact made over her lifetime (quantitative and qualitive).
- She would have advocated for the welfare of others (including work done on the environment etc)
Her name and body of work will be synonymous with the cause that she champions.
In commemoration of the IWFTT’s 10th anniversary in 2024, a special Inspirational Legacy Award will be added to the slate of three awards already bestowed on women whose lives and work in Trinidad and Tobago, serve as an inspiration to others. Well known and highly respected co-founder of the Living Water Community, Rhonda Mary Maingot will receive the inaugural Inspirational Legacy Award, reserved for a phenomenal woman whose lifetime of accomplishments has made an indelible mark on the national landscape. Rhonda has dedicated almost 50 years to serving the needy in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Her outreach includes shelters, rehabilitation centers for substance users, and programmes for the homeless, terminally ill, and abused. She is also the founder of the Trinity Communications Television Network.
The Inspirational Champion of Women Award recognizes an exemplary female leader who has built credibility through her actions. She has made a significant contribution in advancing women’s leadership by initiating, leading or being actively involved in programmes that drive the advancement of women in various spheres including business, science and civil society. She is a fearless role model who consistently inspires, and empowers other women to do the same.
Selection Criteria:
- Tangible examples of their contributions, such as mentoring, promoting women, or initiating diversity programmes.
- Reference to specific achievements, like increased gender diversity etc.
- A woman who has earned respect as a role model and has a track record of championing other women of all ages.
The Inspirational Champion of Women Award will be given to Deborah Christiana de Rosia, the director of four non-profits which create opportunities for women, men, and other young adults, through education and vocational training. Deborah founded the Eternal Light Community Vocational School and other facilities which provide care and shelter to battered women and their children, abandoned children and the elderly. In collaboration with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Deborah leads a team of persons to care for pregnant teenagers and a skills-training centre in Sea Lots to combat crime through training and employment.
The Inspirational Advocate Award recognizes an exemplary female leader who has built credibility through her actions. She has made a significant contribution in advancing women’s leadership by initiating, leading or being actively involved in programmes that drive the advancement of women in various spheres including business, science and civil society.
Selection Criteria:
- Demonstrated success in creating greater awareness, advocating for and driving positive change, whether in business, science or civil society.
- Uses her voice and/or her platform to speak out on important issues affecting society.
- Reference to specific achievements such as policy changes or improvements in social conditions.
The first female Professor of Life sciences at the University of the West Indies, Professor Judith Gobin, will receive the Inspirational Advocate Award for her significant contributions to marine biology and environmental advocacy in the Caribbean. Professor Gobin played a key role in the 2023 historic ocean protection treaty and has published extensively on marine biodiversity. Her leadership in conservation and marine science education underscores her selection for this award.
The Inspirational Emerging Leader Award recognizes an woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has made a significant impact in her profession or field of interest.
This award is intended to inspire and encourage future generations of women in leadership across sectors, industries and civil society.
Selection Criteria:
- Demonstrated success and impact in her specific field of interest (quantitative and qualitive data).
- Should be in her early to mid-stages of her career and is poised for continued success.
Akosua Dardaine-Edwards founded the NiNa Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago, which supports girls and young women transitioning from the St. Jude’s School, will receive the Inspirational Emerging Leader Award. Akosua’s commitment to this cause has brought stability and positive influence to the lives of hundreds of young women and girls, empowering them with resilience, leadership skills, and employment opportunities.
IWFTT launched its inaugural Inspirational Women Awards in 2022 and thus far the following outstanding women have been recognised and celebrated: Former First Lady, Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali, attorney, Lynette Seebaran-Suite, UWI Professor Emerita Rhoda Reddock, activist, Diana Mahabir-Wyatt, UWI Professor, Rose-Marie Belle Antoine and artist Anika Plowden-Corentin.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Trinidad and Tobago’s corporate sector has endorsed the IWFTT Inspirational Women Awards programme and this year, the country’s two major banks, namely Republic Bank Limited and First Citizens Bank, have demonstrated their support of the advancement of women through their platinum sponsorship for a second consecutive year. Other top companies are also backing the programme as gold, silver, and bronze partners.
Tickets for the IWFTT Inspirational Women Awards Gala and Dinner are priced at TT$800 each and are available from committee members Anna-Maria (620 2515), Indira (398 8277), Joanne (723 9297), Maureen (680 1012), Monica (783 8295), Rani (681 7441) and Roxane (346 6265).
View our Connections Magazine, August issue, which also showcases the awardees. 