In 2014, the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad & Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) made its first commitment to commemorate International Women’s Day by hosting an event geared towards highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. AMCHAM T&T used this platform to advocate for gender parity in business and society.

This event has evolved into the annual Women’s Leadership Conference, and its evolution has seen the inclusion of men in the discussion on gender parity to ensure all contribute to the conversation and take one step closer to enacting lasting change. Based on participant feedback from these annual events, AMCHAM T&T realized that more support for women was needed in the arena of mentorship.

In 2017, AMCHAM T&T partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to create a pilot programme to provide mentorship to female professionals in four professional areas with low female representation. This was part of AMCHAM T&T’s effort to be part of the solution.

AMCHAM T&T in partnership with the IDB developed a mentoring programme to provide mentorship to female professionals mainly in the areas of Science & Mathematics, Technology, Engineering and Economics. In 2018, Occupational Health and Safety was incorporated as part of a continued commitment to adding value to the state of H.S.S.E in Trinidad & Tobago. In 2020, the programme was expanded to include women from all sectors and was facilitated entirely in the virtual space due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The year 2021, marks the fourth iteration of this programme that endeavors to drive female leadership in industry and commerce in Trinidad and Tobago. As we continue to adapt to the changes brought on the pandemic and head into the future of work, it is important now more than ever for women to have a seat at the table and continue to guide and encourage our women leaders of tomorrow.