Celebrating womanhood and all that comes with it

Nowadays if you ask a child, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’, the response is endless. Most notable in the responses, however, is that whether it is a boy or girl, the career aspirations are similar. Who would have thought that women would one day be seen as counterparts to our male companions?

Society has come a long way as it relates to the marginalisation of women. We have been breaking barriers and have been dominating in job fields that once were reserved for men. In our society, gender equality doesn’t seem like a far-fetched dream, and girls and women have risen to the occassion and taken hold of opportunities that have presented themselves.

However, with the upsurge in female fatalities at the hands of their partners, the fraility and vulnerability of our women have become increasingly evident and makes the month of March being internationally recognised as Women’s Month, very timely. The acknowledgement of the struggles and victories of our women is in no way an attempt to downplay that men, too, have faced hardships of their own and are reshaping societal expectations; but for the month of March, the focus is on women.

“Hear Me Out – Life Uncut, started during a tumultuous time in my life when I felt myself imploding, but outwardly had to be parading around like I was OK. I wish women would understand that we have more power than we know and when we stand together, we are so much stronger. This March, we are dedicating attention to women who are proud owners of businesses, especially in non-traditional fields. Speaking to women who are creating inroads and hearing their stories is always a personal motivation for me. I am excited to be able to share this journey with our readers and viewers,” said Sashelle Gooden, host of Hear Me Out – Life Uncut.

“Women have started businesses that they have no background in, and their businesses have been thriving. It tells me that there are some basic things that you must get right; but outside of that, you can take on any challenge as long as you have the passion and dedication,” Gooden added, while giving an insight as what to expect in March on the YouTube show.

Co-host of the show, Antonette Newell, said: “We want women to feel free to share their businesses and stories with us so that they can inspire other people. Send us an email at hearmeoutbusinessmail@gmail.com and subscribe to our YouTube page to keep up with the progress of other Jamaicans who are out there putting our name on the map.”

Entries are not being accepted for the Hear Me Out – Life Uncut Scholarship/Youth Ambassadorship. Check their Instagram page for more information, or send emails to hearmeoutbusinessmail@gmail.com.