International Women's Day by advomag

STATE HOUSE

The annual celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th is an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women and to identify those issues and areas which are still outstanding and need action to be taken.

Great strides have been made globally since March 1911 when International Women’s Day was marked the first time in Europe. In those early years, the focus was on promoting women’s rights. In 1975 the United Nations declared March 8, as International Women’s Day and it is now a generally accepted day for honouring and appreciating women.

WOMEN’S DAY

8 ‘ MARCH 2023

This year the United Nation’s theme Is DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.

We now live in a global, technological age where many young people cannot conceive of the road that many pioneering women travelled to achieve the gains that are taken for granted today. Such as the right to vote, decent working conditions and pay.

Women are the bedrock of society and the fight for women’s rights is ever ongoing.

We are familiar with the nurturing role that women have played in our society over the ages. In earlier times many women were homemakers and this included being the ‘economist’ in the home, to make scarce resources assume some measure of elasticity to meet the various needs of the household.

The advancement of our society, with adult suffrage, free secondary and tertiary education and the greater exposure to influences from North America and the United Kingdom, have all impacted positively on the development of the lives our girls and women in ways that our foreparents could not even conceptualise. Women are taking active roles in every sphere of our society.

We now have our first female Prime Minister and women are ably represented in several professions and occupations. These changes have taken place by the activism of women but they also have been supported by men.

The work of our stalwarts in the local fight for the advancement of women’s rights must be lauded. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we wish to recognise and commend persons such as Dame Maize Barker-Welch who worked tirelessly in the National Organisation of women which was founded in 1910. These persons laid the foundation for the local activism for women’s rights and have left an indelible mark for our current leadership to build on.

The celebration of International Women’s Day also forces us to consider pressing issues such as gender equality which to achieved can build better societies.

The progress that women have made over the years in helping to build and shape their societies and countries must be protected.

We live in a global society which is changing constantly and some changes impact negatively on girls and women and can erode all the progress made over the past one hundred years.

On this International Women’s Day 2023, both men and women should reflect on the role and contribution of our women and work together in building our country for the benefit of all, with equality for all.

PRESIDENT

MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY THE MOST HONOURABLE DAME SANDRA MASON FB , GOMG, DA, OCLLD PRESIDENT OF BARBADOS ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL

The Women Behind ADVO

It’s our International Women’s Day (IWD) issue, and we couldn’t possibly leave out ourselves in showing the women behind ADVO Magazine.

So here we are, two women at the top of their professions who decided to start a publication that was almost like a ‘truth or dare proposal’. A dare to create a publication that goes deeper than daily news can accommodate or readily disseminate. A publication that adds value and surpasses our clients expectations and offers complete media management. Together we share our passions, our drives and our talents in every publication as we use four collective decades of media management combined in a publication with regional and international reach.

Our idea was not only to revolutionize advertising but to help entrepreneurs and traditional businesses improve the quality of their promotional messages. We enjoy our creative flexibility and are pleased to bring cutting edge ideas.

We agree with the adage that when you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life.

The team at ADVO recognizes women pioneers who are making a difference in the fields of politics and law, education and human rights, business, science and journalism. That is the spirit that we celebrate today with all of you who work for democratic resilience and equality but also who work against oppression and against prejudice every day of your lives.

We see IWD as acknowledging the collective value of women for creating a better future for our societies and our planet. We salute and encourage the deliberate focus for women to summon the fortitude to overcome obstacles in all areas of life to achieve and surpass all their goals. On IWD, the call is to widen the collective of women seeking to improve policies and initiatives for a world that is more inclusive for girls and women to contribute to the need for sustainable innovations, peace and prosperity.

INT’L WOMEN’S DAY CREDITS

Copy editor

Anton Nixon

Digital & Creative Design

Caleb Paul

Photography: Christopher Williams

Watergate Media

Torpedo Ink Productions

Videography: Watergate Media

Contributing Writers: Dr Claudia Martindale Dr. Carolyn Tull

Makeup: Mrs Laura Hunte

Photo location: ‘Windrush’ Westmoreland care of Mrs Shelley Arrindell

Samantha Smith Sandra Clarke Directors

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN”S DAY 5 ADVOMAG.COM

WOMEN AND THE TIGHTROPE THEY MUST WALK

Perhaps I have a gifted makeup. to be fortunate to have developed a ‘switch’ that allows me to and leave all my work frustrations in the building as I walk out of the doors. colleagues agree this function is one most essential features in attaining a family life especially with such a stressful as an Emergency Room physician. My conceiving began to fade after trying for year. At 40 years old with no previous I was considered an elderly primigravid. three years into our marriage and in of working in the ER, my private practice in the recently relocated prison hospital same time, I delivered my miracle Ciara.

Although a perfect family/work could be very elusive, it is actually possible by following this recipe. essential to have a patient, accommodating understanding husband/partner who to Ciara. Life would have been far more otherwise. When she was a toddler and I was very strategic in placing her in that was very close to where I spent most workdays. That way, I fulfilled the best my day; greeting her at school pick up looked forward every day to see that smile as she played with her friends after and noticed my arrival to pick her up.

I believe that the busier I kept her, the it was for her overall development. So, I my work hours to take her to ballet, classes, golf lessons, football, gymnastics swimming. That kept us busy and on the lot, but it was what we wanted for her.

After a few years, we realized that passions were in theater arts and ballet. warmed my heart immensely because now share my own passion of dance person I love the most in the world. You fathom the joy of performing on stage your own daughter. I love that she loves and theatre arts as much as I do. These moments that fuel me for having to hard as I do.

One may argue, the time that’s spent takes away from the time with your believe in quality time, so I don't focus quantity of time. She is however my priority

makeup. I seem developed to unload frustrations doors. My one of the a thriving stressful job My hopes of for an entire children, primigravid. But the stress practice and hospital at the little girl, family/work balance actually very First, it’s accommodating and is father more stressful and infant, a school most of my best part of up time. I that lovely after school the busier I adjusted ballet, drama gymnastics and the road a that her real ballet. That because I could with the You cannot stage with loves dance These are the to work as spent working your child. I focus on the priority and

the second essential part of the recipe is time schedule adjustment to make sure I don't miss any major performances. I have been fortunate to do this. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that such a luxury is not afforded to everyone. The only time I get frustrated with my profession is when it takes me away from having that quality time with my family. The medical profession can easily take over your life if you allow it to. It is extremely demanding. There's always more to learn and more people to care for, but it is necessary to place boundaries. If your home life isn't healthy, your work life suffers and vice versa. I try to allocate time for not only my family and siblings but also my friends, nonmedical educational interests, exercise, and volunteerism.

I work to be able to fulfill the dreams Ciara may have. I want to expose her to a life even more rich in opportunities than I ever had. I think this is the dream of any good parent. She needs to see it is essential for a woman to be independent, knowing she can achieve anything, regardless of her race or nationality. ‘Aim to be your own boss’, my father used to tell me, and I now repeat this to her.

The beginning of the COVID pandemic was particularly difficult and I was torn between doing what I absolutely love, at the unique time of my career and being there for my daughter to help her academically. I wanted to assume a big role in helping my country navigate through this deadly disease without putting my family in harm's way. At the time, my elderly mother-inlaw stayed within the household and my husband had his own share of comorbidities that made both of them very vulnerable to the disease. It meant I had to change my habits drastically as I returned from work. After sanitizing everything I touched before leaving the car, I would undress in the garage before setting foot in the house. I touched nothing and no one before entering the shower the moment I arrived.

A typical day during these early Covid times would consist of me being at my private practice, leave to do nasal swabs at Paragon military base near the Adams International airport, then return home to man the COVID hotline. So even though I was home, I wasn't mentally there for my family. I watched my daughter’s schoolwork decline rapidly and I blamed myself for not being physically and mentally available for her. For the first time I thought my profession

prevented me from being the parent I really wanted to be. Online school was the bane of my existence. I couldn't wait for face-to-face classes to restart. I have always appreciated teachers and our educational system, but this cemented it for me. It became evident how the roles of various professions were needed to make this world function. As the number of vaccinated people in the country increased, it definitely made life easier for the medical profession as there were less extremely ill patients to care for and even less dying.

My role as a mother to this gem of a daughter is to be there for her during the tough emotional times, to guide her emotionally and educationally to help build her confidence when the world tries to shatter it, and to teach her to have pride and respect for herself and others. We pray each night as a family before we go to bed so that she knows there is no success without guidance from God. One can only hope that our teaching remains with her through these extraordinary times we live.

Dr.ClaudiaMartindale:MB;BS DMEmergencyMedicine WithherdaughterCiaraCampbell

The Expanding Focus

The importance of general well being, risk reduction and prevention of chronic non communicable diseases (NCD’s) is paramount. Cancer prevention counseling and risk reduction should be incorporated early in lifestyle changes. Annual medical examination is integral to women’s health care. Screening guidelines will vary depending on age, lifestyle, medical and family history.

Lifestyle modification should therefore include:

Being physically active

Maintaining a healthy weight

Diet low in sugars and saturated fats

Limiting alcohol consumption

Avoidance of tobacco

Protecting against sexual transmitted diseases(HPV

Stress management

Screening Recommendations

The importance of preventative health care for women is such that it must start as early as in ones 20’s with Pap smear and HPV screening being stressed at their physical examination. Cardiovascular risk assessment should also begin in women over age 20, with the aim of modifying risk factors (diet, physical activity, obesity, cessation of smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and high cholesterol levels).

Hypertension screening is recommended for adults over 18 years old as well as for abnormal lipid screening.

Mammogram screening ( depending on the family history ) should start in the 40’s and colonoscopy between 45-50 years of age depending again on family history.

Menopausal women should have their cardiovascular risk be ever

Dr.CarolynTull,MBBSisagraduateofUWIandacertifiedinadvance aestheticmedicine.Sheisthefounderofagapemedicalandhasbeeninprivate practiceforalmost30years.

Focus of Women’s Health lth

present in their minds. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in women over 50 years. Breast, cervical and colon cancer screening are key at this age. Lifestyle modifications such as those mentioned above, are highly recommended, especially stress and sleep management.

In this pandemic era, and the ever important focus on psychosocial concerns the importance of screening for depression and anxiety, including adolescent girls age 13 and older is vital. Screening for alcohol misuse and other drug use ( illegal as well as prescription medication) at every age group should not be ignored.

The Embrace of Aesthetic Medicine by Women

The millennials have certainly embraced aesthetics and have approached it knowing that the aging process begins in the 20’s.The skin health definition attributes include skin that is smooth, has even colour tone, is hydrated and tight with normal contour and free from disease. So that the use of medical grade skincare products under proper supervision and aimed at preserving healthy skin is important. Determining your skin type is the most crucial factor in determining skincare. The importance of daily sunscreen (and not smoking) cannot be underscored enough in the prevention of premature aging skin and skin cancer.

I am frequently approached in my practice regarding the aging face and its effects on the mental and emotional well-being of women. The common refrain of being told that they look tired or look angry affects them in their confidence in the workplace and home.

The aging face reveals itself as the skin loses volume over time and thins as dermal collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin gradually diminish. Initially with the youthful face, lines and wrinkles are only seen during active facial expression(laughing, frowning, smiling) but with time, these dynamic lines becoming permanently etched at rest. The well known 11’s or 1’s in the forehead which can make people look angry even though they are not. Understanding our approach to the aging face with Botox and Dermafillers therefore aims not only to correct skin laxity, but the facial bone resorption ( that leads to contour changes) and facial fat redistribution (that leads to sagging)

Typically, Botox is started in women in their 30’s and

Dr.CarolynTull

onwards. It temporarily reduces muscle contractions and smooths wrinkles in the treatment area. Expert injectors accurately dose and inject Botox to achieve youthful and attractive benefits while maintaining a natural look. Treatment areas include forehead frown lines and horizontal lines, crow’s feet (eyes), bunny lines(nose), lip lines, gummy smiles, marionette lines, chin and neck bands. The effects can last between 3-4 months.

Botox can also be used to manage migraines, treat excessive underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis) as well as effectively treat sweaty palms .

Dermal filler treatment is a simple and effective way to restore volume to the aging face as well as assist in the correction of fine lines and wrinkles. Volume correction is central to the rejuvenation at any age as it is this that gives the face its characteristic shape and beauty. Most commonly, injectors will target the cheek areas, jaws, lips, and mouth for correction.

Therefore, a comprehensive approach in aesthetics must be created for women at every age. This is an exciting journey for women through the years including the premenopausal, menopausal and post menopausal periods, that can help women feel fabulous about themselves.

So with this brief introduction to aesthetics, we can see how it has changed the way we approach women’s health and well-being by making women confident in their appearance.

In closing, it is therefore important that we as physicians continue to fight for women’s health at every front and stand committed to women’s health care regardless of social or financial standing, aiming to provide preventative health care for all women. So that well-being is not simply the absence of disease, but feeling good about your self. Functioning with confidence and at your best…mentally, physically, and socially.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN”S DAY 11 ADVOMAG.COM

MINISTER’S MESSAGE FOR

My fellow Barbadians, it is indeed a pleasure to bring remarks, as Barbados joins with the International Community and the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2023. I fi rst of all would like to wish all women a Happy International Women’s Day, wherever they are around the world. As we celebrate this special day in the lives of women, I am cognisant that we are in the month of March, and into celebrating the Month of the Disabled. I therefore extend hearty wishes for a successful month of celebrations to all of those persons with disabilities.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”, focuses on the use of innovation and technology to empower women and girls and, by extension, bring about gender equality. This theme is closely aligned to that for this year’s United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meeting in March in New York, which is “Innovation and Technological Change and Education in the Digital Age for Achieving Gender Equality and the Empowerment of all Women and Girls”.

While women in Barbados have made significant progress in several areas of endeavour, this theme reminds us that we must seek to pay attention to the digital divide that disproportionately affects women and girls.

The central tenant of this particular theme is that women and girls are the most negatively affected by the digital divide and that efforts must be made to ensure that the empowerment of women and girls in the digital space should be a priority of countries around the world. While innovation and technology are essential for the empowerment of our women and girls, access must be the starting point buttressed by knowledge and skills to take full advantage of the opportunities and be supported by economic affordability.

Prior to the advent of the COVID 19 Pandemic, the world was already on a path to charting a new way of existence. Persons were accessing a number of social platforms and people were relating to and communicating with each other in ways they had never imagined possible. The age of technological existence was upon us in full and there was the belief that everyone was benefi tting from and making use of the technological advancements. However, the

COVID 19 Pandemic and that the digital had access to indeed a reality enjoy the benefi

The empowerment information technology access the technology. all efforts to and girls to be therefore to digital

During COVID through the Ministry Vocational Training students through schools around companies responded students with tablets

This is an effort the post-pandemic number of community and individuals students who would reducing the digital Our efforts empowerment the most marginalised us as a Government fortunate among appropriate training digital revolution. Community Technology seeking to provide and employment number of women I commend Organisations technological wish to acknowledge Persons (BARP) had access to the Barbados programs made wish to also thank their work in seeking women and girls

The Government

MARCH 12 ADVOMAG.COM

TheHon.KirkHumphrey,Ministerof People Empowermentand ElderAffairs

“The empowerment of women and girls through information technology must begin with the ability to access the technology”

FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Pandemic demonstrated that this was untrue digital divide, that gap between those who the technology and those who did not, was reality and that everyone was not in a position to benefi ts of the technology.

empowerment of women and girls through technology must begin with the ability to technology. As a country, we should make provide the necessary avenues for women be able to have access to the technology and digital spaces. \

COVID 19, the Government of Barbados Ministry of Education, Technological and Training led the way by providing devices to through the distribution of tablets to various around the island. In addition, a number of private responded to the call for assistance in equipping tablets so they were not left behind. effort which should be encouraged even in post-pandemic period. It was refreshing to see that a community based organisations, communities individuals played a role in providing digital access to would not have had the opportunity thereby digital divide.

efforts at providing the technology for the empowerment of women and girls must also include marginalised populations. It is incumbent on Government and a people to ensure that the less among us are provided with the devices and training which allows them to be part of the revolution. Through the implementation of the Technology Programme, the Government is provide universal digital literacy for educational employment purposes which attracted a significant women and girls.

commend the NGOs’ and the Community Based who are working to enhance the capacity of their membership. In this vein, I acknowledge the Barbados Association of Retired (BARP) for their work to ensure that the elderly and were trained in technology as well as Council for the Disabled for the training made available for persons with disabilities. We thank all the civil society organisations for seeking to enhance and transform the lives of girls in Barbados.

Government has sought to reduce digital inequalities

and enhance the economic empowerment of women through Trust Loans and Fund Access Programmes which equip micro and small businesses with the skills necessary to perform in a digital environment.

Even as we advocate for the use of technology for all, it must not be used to exploit or abuse women and girls. We recognise that online gender based violence is real and regrettably becoming more prevalent. We therefore call upon parents and guardians to keep a mindful watch and closely monitor their children’s social media and wider online activity. This country must have a zero tolerance approach to gender based violence in all its forms.

The Government will continue to have conversations with service providers to provide low cost access to technology for all which would benefit women and girls who have been marginalised by lack of access. A prime example of innovation to allow access to digital spaces is through the expanding provision of free Wi-Fi access in the city of Bridgetown.

It is in that spirit of caring and sharing that I want to once again wish all Barbados a Happy International Women’s Day!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN”S DAY 13 ADVOMAG.COM

The average female experiences approximately 500 menstrual cycles in their lifetime and according to international data and from personal experience can spend up to $100 TTD a month to over $1,200 TTD a year on menstrual products alone. This equates to a minimum of over $45,000 TTD over her reproductive lifetime on menstrual products alone (with an average range of menses 12 years to 50 years).

Alarmingly, this cost is significantly greater owing to various other expenditure associated with having menstrual cycles such as: doctor’s visits, pain and acne medication as well as birth control use.

In Trinidad and Tobago the non-governmental organisation Crown Her is determined to advocate for and secure policy change in order to address period poverty. The initiative’s lead is Dr. Nadira Rambocas, partnering with The Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobagoand associate partners comprising the T&T Medical Association, Rotary Clubs of Piarco, Sangre Grande, St Augustine and St Augustine West and The Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Crown Her declares that over a lifetime some women can spend up to $126,000 TTD or more just to manage their periods. As such, the onset of menses ensures multiple layers of new important considerations any female is forced to contend with including: new expenses, risk of infections, and even days off school or work.

Globally, one in every two women lack the essential sanitary products due to their high costs. This inequitable situation, coupled with inaccessibility, has been made more apparent during this current Covid-19 pandemic. Many women are forced to search for alternative means, such as anything that is vaguely considered absorbent including any class of fabric material or even unsanitary paper products in order to manage their inevitable menstrual cycles. Today, unfortunately these women are forced to view these menstrual products as more of a luxury when it should be considered a necessary commodity.

Period poverty is defined as the struggle many lowincome women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual products. One possible solution in alleviating period poverty and thereby contributing to positive

THE ‘CROWN HER’

The Fight Against Period Poverty

female health is by reducing or eliminating costs associated with these feminine products. This, however, requires government collaboration in eliminating taxes or ensuring at least one sanitary product be made free for all menstruating women.

Scotland is the first country to offer free menstrual products for all women. The Crown Her project was featured in the blog and Twitter for the MP for Scotland Ms. Monica Lennon who championed the first free menstrual products for all women in that country

The Crown Her team states that many girls and women buckle under the pressure of bills that come with handling their monthly menstrual cycles. They believe that at least one free feminine or menstrual hygiene product will not only enhance physical health but will also positively impact on social and economic health as well. Furthermore, women might no longer need to isolate themselves, compromise their physical health, avoid school or work due to lack of the necessary tools needed to manage their menses. Any budgeting or sacrificing from their earnings can be directed to other pursuits, leading to a reduced burden on their daily lives.

The project asserts that most governments have failed to realise that feminine hygiene is a national health issue: a natural biological process that many females have limited control. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,

HER’ MOVEMENT

Poverty in Trinidad and Tobago

this pressure has risen tremendously with our struggling economy. It has especially become a huge expense for those families on the lower economic strata. It should therefore be a crucial matter that should be addressed by government to assist our women. Menstrual products are essential and a basic necessity for fertile women and lack of access can lead to health issues, low productivity, and less participation with dignity, Crown Her personnel stated.

THE STUDY

Dr. Rambocas and her team conducted a survey to determine need and cost associated with these products from various strata of the menstruating population of Trinidad. The end goal being legislative change whilst engaging the various relevant Ministries in order to ensure at least one feminine product be made accessible to all.

The study, published in the International Journal of Medical Science and Discovery, consisted of 504 respondents selected from various workplaces between the ages of 18-48years. Participants were required to fill out information regarding their knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning sanitary product use. Questions were generated to closely mirror those used in a report published in 2018 by the Scottish Government on accessibility to hygienic products. In addition, these questions were adapted to suit the local female population and were validated by experts in the medical fields and gender studies at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad, and Tobago. Data collection was done over a 4-month period.

Period poverty was assessed using several questions that asked about the affordability of products (“Do you think period products are affordable?”, “Are you able to afford your menstrual products monthly, or do you struggle sometimes?”, “Have you had to borrow/change your sanitary product due to cost?”). Participants were also required to indicate if they had to improvise or replace their sanitary products due to cost, whether or not their periods have affected their daily functioning and whether or not they had to visit their doctors for their periods.

THE RESULTS

The study showed that 76.2% of women do not believe

that period products are affordable, while 21.6% believe that they are affordable and a further 2.2% indicated that they did not know if period products are inexpensive. Additionally, women spent a median amount of $100 TTD (Trinidad and Tobago Dollars) per month on period products. Women were also asked to indicate if they could afford their period products monthly, and 47.8% reported that they could do so. About half of the participants (50.6%) indicated that they sometimes struggle to afford period products and 1.6% stated that they could not afford period products.

Most women (94.6%) believe that their school or workplace should offer or support free menstrual products, as compared to 3.2% who indicated that their school or workplace does offer these products for free.

CONCLUSION

“This study has found that women experience period poverty in Trinidad and Tobago. Women find it difficult to afford and access period products and often have to resort to using alternative products to suit their needs. Additionally, this study highlighted other issues that women face during their periods, such as high costs of medication and medical visits as well as loss of daily functioning and absenteeism from work and schools. In light of these issues, we recommend that legislation be drafted to designate period products as essential so that every woman and girl by right has access to period products that are freely available or at a reduced cost. We also recommend policies or guidelines be put in place at schools or workplaces for the provision of free menstrual products for women and girls. We propose such practices are implemented in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders including those at the governmental level and NGOs. In that case, we believe that the problem of period poverty experienced by women can be eliminated or, at the very least, reduced.”

(Rambocas et al 2023)

STEPS INVOLVED IN PROCESS FOR THE CROWN HER MOVEMENT:

1. Determining the need for sanitary products and ensuring menstrual equity by conducting a prospective survey over a three month period. This survey/study would involve females using a specified age range from various districts throughout T&T.

2. Submission of study results to the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved. The subsequent formation of a parliamentary subcommittee to assimilate the relevant information, determine feasibility including budget allocation and drafting of the necessary legislation to be debated in Parliament.

3. Debating in Parliament and subsequent enactment of the relevant legislation into the laws of T&T.

4. Proclamation of the established law and dissemination of at least one free appropriate

menstrual product to all females especially to those in the lower economic strata.

Notions of empowerment and enfranchisement of women and girls have typically been about their inclusion in business, industries and for being exposed to fair opportunities for capacity building. This initiative offers such a profound quality of life advancement that it should widen our policy discourse on other simple ways to protect peoples’ health, dignity and community interaction. It is hoped that this initiative enjoys overwhelming support by our policy leaders in the region.

CROWN HER TRINIDAD & TOBAGO MEMBERS

Dr. Nadira Rambocas

Ms. Sherlyn Duncan-Dolloway

Ms. Donna Munroe-Venner

Ms. Anu Bissessar

Mr. Varun Debideen

Mr. Yasphal Kissoon

Dr Rambocas graduated from medical school in 2003 and is registered with Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago and General Medical Council U.K.

She worked at San Fernando General Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, St. Augustine Private Hospital.

Dr Rambocas presently has a private office in Valsayn and in Medical Associates St. Joseph and Chaguanas. She possess a certificate from Montreal in Laser Studies, Post- graduate Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, Master’s in Dermatology in Clinical Practice, Postgraduate Certificate in Dermoscopy and Postgraduate Diploma in Cosmetic Sciences.

Dr Rambocas is a member of the International Society of Professional Females and British Society of Cosmetic Scientists.

DrNadiraRambocas,CrownHer,MedicalLead

ADVO’s Women of the Moment 2023

Superheroes no longer wear capes. They are not often seen using superhuman strength to fight monster villains. They are found in doctors offices, law courts, universities, stores, markets and even non-profit organizations. They fight injustices and other social ills, they uplift and inspire others, they fight for a legislative change to help those most vulnerable.

Based on presiding rules, there were no eligible entries in the ADVO’s Woman of the Moment Campaign, However, we thought it important to highlight a few of the impressive regional entrants who make it impossible to ignore. These women are shattering barriers and inspiring all those within reach of a WiFi signal to reconsider societal norms.

Dr. Nadira Rambocas of Trinidad and Tobago is one such honorable mention. She is the vision behind the initiative she calls ‘Crown Her’. This bold blueprint attempts to end period poverty in her home country and around the world essentially She is a strong advocate against social inequalities where her focused awareness would fund for appropriate hygiene products to women in need.

Alkeema Ali, Reiki Master Practitioner, she has contributed to the field of health with numerous publication with a current focus on mental health. She currently offers free sessions to those most in need and is wn for her empowering motivational talks

Jill James, mother of thre widowed. Jill is independen

She has been through many trials and recognizes the women who were there for her at her most crucial times, now she too has proven to be a help to other women in her community Jill credits her trust in God that led

LaToya has been described as an inspirational entrepreneur who used ‘wolf faith’ to start her own brand while motivating others entrepreneurs on her. She credits her success to he faith in God

LaToya Robertson, fashion designer and owner of ‘Sauce and Anointing Designs’.

Exercise your way to good health on International Women’s Day

We at Advo are interested in your health and include in this edition few simple daily exercises that you can do over a five day period to improve your overall wellness.

Try them, devote half an hour every day or every other day for five days and join us in our campaign to get healthy and fit!

Every exercise can be done for 30 seconds, resting for 30 seconds between each exercise, and 90 seconds between. Each group of exercises should be done four times or for four rounds.

Exercise 1

Dumb bell row

Shoulder press

Tricep extensions

Biceps curls

Exercise 2 30 jump squats

30 lunges 15 on each side

30 squats

Plank jacks

Exercise 3

Sit ups

Crunches

Russian twists

Leg extensions

Jacks

Exercise 4

Mountain climbers

Push ups

Burpees

Kettle bell swings

Exercise 5

Cycling abs

Leg raises

Dead lifts

Skip

Celebrates All Women on International Women’s Day

The Barbados Postal Service (BPS) has an impressive record of being gender inclusive for over a century and it continues up unitl the present day.

This was one of the many things which Postmaster General (Ag), Ms Joann Busby, highlighted about the organization as she sat and reflected on the contributions of the many people who have given of their service.

Shining the spotlight on the many other members of staff, Busby pointed out that in 2021 the BPS had over 65 percent of its management who were females and close to 50 percent of the delivery staff members who were also females.

With a Post Office in every parish of Barbados and some parishes with more than one Post Office, Ms Busby said that on average a permanent post office in Barbados serves about 16 941 residents. She pointed out that the letter carriers (postmen) have an excellent relationship with their customers. The term postman is a gender neutral term which can be used for both

males and females and the first female letter carrier was Jacqueline Walrond in 1976.

Proud to be associated with this organization that has been gender inclusive for such a long time Busby also highlighted that a female has been at the helm in recent years.

After a long succession of male Postmaster Generals, the first female Postmaster General Mrs Margaret Ashby was appointed in 2016. In August 2018, following her untimely death she was succeeded by Valeta Best who retired at the end of August 2021 and Ms Best was succeeded by Ms Iris Lashley who soon followed into preretirement at the end of October 2021.

Currently acting in the position of Postmaster position since November 2021 is Ms Busby.

Ensuring that she had her information at her finger tips, Ms Busby quickly found the statistics and information to advise that there was a female District Postmaster from as early ad 1911. She was Mrs. Elizabeth Crawford who was a district postmaster in 1911 and served in this capacity for almost two decades.

There is so much more to the BPS as there are many other services being offered for a range of customers. Some of those services include but are

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not limited to Utility Bill Payments, BARP membership payments, payments for the Police Certificate of Character, as well as Liquor licence fees, the Cashing of Old Age and NIS pensions and internationally recognised Express Mail Service, the Postage Paid service, prescription pick-ups and delivery, prepaid Postcards and online assistance. One of the favourite projects of the first female Postmaster General Mrs Ashby was the prepaid Postcards with the forever stamps which meanest can be mailed to any destination inn the world in perpetuity.

With the introduction of electric vehicles to the B.P. S fleet the organisation has made a moved in the reduction of the Carbon footprint.

The Postal Service also shone brightly during the challenging times of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Busby said that while Barbados lost air transportation links for a couple of years. However

the people of Barbados realised how important it was to have a post office open in their community so that they can cash their pension checks and pay their utilities.

“When the banks closed their doors and told people they had to go either online or use the ATM. Remember those images of customers in lines around blocks waiting to get into the post office?

So I think that is why Barbadians appreciated the contribution of the post office and the staff who worked at those post offices at that time. Although there is a specific closing time, because they knew how difficult it will be for individuals they stay open sometimes for an hour or two after the official closing time to accommodate customers. Our staff are very committed to providing service to customers, there will be issues from time to time, But in crunch time, The staff understand the importance of delivering the specific services which their duties are involved in.

The Barbados Postal Service has continual been evolving and the Government of Barbados recently mandated the organisation o be “bold in its transformation process, in reimagining and resetting on a new course, in the pursuit of new partnerships (and) in improving its customer and employee engagement.”

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Video of Staff of BPS

COCKTAILS AND DESSERTS

IN CELEBRATION OF INT’L WOMEN’S DAY

No celebration is complete without a little treat and some pampering so the Advo Team will make a few suggestions to help you celebrate with friends colleagues and family. Our recipes are simple and inexpensive and our cocktail gives you the opportunity to be creative, add your own flair and special touch to make it your own.

COCONUT MOUSSE

This dessert is similar to a custard or creme brulea using only coconut milk. It Is called Coconut Jelly because of the texture and look. It is prepared hot by mixing three simple ingredients which when combined has a jelly like consistency. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours until the jelly is firm to touch and no liquid is seen on the top.