In an inspiring step towards building stronger communities for young mothers, Sandals South Coast recently celebrated teenage moms from the Savanna-la-Mar, Junction and Black River Women’s Centres with their EmpowHer Brunch. Dubbed ‘Think Pink’, the event was designed to uplift and empower the young women while they enjoyed fine cuisine and interactive activities.

The young ladies were treated to an unforgettable experience featuring cake piping and décor workshops, vision board creation and motivational talks aimed at fostering self-confidence and personal growth from the resort’s female leaders. The event culminated in a soul-stirring performance by vocalist Francois Martin, leaving attendees inspired and rejuvenated.

Ashley Crisp, public relations manager at Sandals South Coast, underscored the importance of the initiative “At Sandals South Coast, we are deeply committed to empowering women in our communities. The EmpowHer Brunch is more than just a celebration; it’s about fostering resilience, self-sufficiency and ambition among young women. Through initiatives like this, we want to remind them that they are capable of achieving greatness, regardless of their circumstances.”

The lead representative from the Savanna-la-Mar Women’s Centre, Mellissa Boothe-Anderson, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its significance in shaping the future of the young mothers.

“Sandals South Coast has been the Foundation’s longstanding partner in commemorating and celebrating our ladies. This year, the team ensured that over 20 teen mothers, along with staff from two locations, benefited from invaluable resources and training, bolstering their personal growth. Our partnership with Sandals exemplifies outstanding public-private sector collaboration.” Boothe-Anderson said.

The EmpowHer Brunch is part of the resort’s broader EmpowHer Campaign, an initiative started in 2024 dedicated to engaging women and girls across schools, communities and institutions along the south coast. The campaign not only provides resources for them to thrive, but also raises awareness about female hygiene, body positivity and embracing the natural changes in a woman’s body throughout her lifetime.

Sandals South Coast has maintained a strong partnership with both Women’s Centres, engaging in mentorship programmes, skill development initiatives and confidence-building sessions, helping to equip young women with the tools they need for personal and professional success.

This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, reinforcing the need for commitment to inspire women and girls in the region.