The Division of Health and Social Services will continue its International Woman’s Day (IWD) 2015 celebrations by honouring 34 outstanding women through its first annual WISE Awards (Women In Service and Excellence). 

IWD is celebrated globally every year on March 8 and the theme chosen for this year’s celebration is “Empowering Women- Empowering Humanity: Picture it!” 

The WISE Awards will be held under the similar theme “Women Making it Happen” in keeping with the UN Women call to “uphold women’s achievements, recognise challenges and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality to mobilize all people to do their part.” The number of awardees (34) is significant as it represents each year of the Tobago House of Assembly’s existence. The WISE awards will pay tribute to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and contributed towards the development of the Tobago community. It is envisaged that these women will continue to be exemplars and mentors to our young girls and boys. And will serve as ‘Ambassadors of Aide’ in the community.

An independent panel of distinguished professionals was shortlisted to review the nominations and select finalists in each of the award categories. To be eligible the woman were required to be 21 years and older, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, resident in Tobago for at least 10 years. The categories for nomination are Community, Corporate (individual women), Education, Non-profit-NGO/CBO/FBO, Politics, Public Service/Government, Sport, and Young Women Leaders (under 25 years of age).