The Women Parliamentarians of TT (WPTT) are encouraging women between the ages of 18-29 to register for the second edition of its leadership programme.
The initiative called the YES Leadership Programme was designed to empower young women to become future leaders, not only in Parliament but also in the professional world.
The WPTT was formed in November 2023 and is an apolitical, non-governmental organisation, committed to supporting current, past and future women parliamentarians.
Newsday spoke to the Projects and Programmes Officer of the WPTT Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan on February 7 by phone to get more insight into the programmes.
"The mission is to dismantle socio-economic, cultural and political barriers that hinder effective participation and representation of women in parliament and other political decision-making spaces."
She said while women make up almost 50 per cent of the world's population, in TT, women in the current Parliament account for 31 per cent of total membership -- 11 in the House of Representatives, 11 in the Senate, out of 72 members of parliament.
"While our women fare well academically, the issue is we don't find them in those political decision-making spaces.
"This is why this organisation was formed. We see it all over the world - women parliamentarians with the same mission."
Seepersad-Bachan, a former minister under the People's Partnership administration between 2010-2015 and former leader of the Congress of the People, said the WPTT comprises of approximately 40 members from all political parties, including the PNM, UNC, and COP.
The current executive comprises the president, Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George; vice-president, former independent senator Gail Merhair; secretary, former minister, Tina Grounlund-Nunez; treasurer, former minister Christine Newallo-Hosein; public engagement officer, MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne; and Pennelope Beckles-Robinson serves as the mentorship and training officer.
YES Leadership Programme
The leadership programme, now in its second year, is co-chaired by former independent senator Amrita Deonarine and former MP Stacy Roopnarine.
Seepersad-Bachan said registration opened in late January and closes on February 12.
"The rigorous six-eight week programme is designed to provide a practical blend of professional development, mentorship and networking. It consists of interactive workshops, leadership training, and practical exercises designed to prepare young women for parliamentary leadership.
"These training workshops will take place both in-person and virtually and tentatively run from mid-April to June. The sessions cover a variety of topics, including leadership development, research and debate skills, media engagement, advocacy, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. The training will also address parliamentary procedures and protocols," she said.
Seepersad-Bachan said the skills being learned in the programme are aimed at helping parliamentarians in the 21st century.
"I don't see the reason why we can
