The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), under the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, successfully hosted the Fearless & Fluent: A Public Speaking and Media Training Workshop on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, at the Villa Polyclinic.

Sponsored by Community First Co-Operative Credit Union, this dynamic, one-day workshop was part of DoGA’s Emerging Female Leaders (EFL) Programme, an initiative aimed at developing the leadership capacity of women across Antigua and Barbuda. The session brought together over 25 female participants representing various sectors to enhance their communication, media engagement, and public speaking skills.

Facilitated by renowned media & communications expert, Ms. Angelica O’Donoghue, the workshop covered essential topics including active listening and message development, tips for press engagement & crisis communication and public speaking under pressure. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and received personalised feedback, culminating in a certificate of completion.

When speaking on the event, Programme Officer Mrs. T’Chell Looby-Antonio said, “Fearless & Fluent was conceptualized to help women realise that their voice is not just valuable—it’s powerful. When women speak with confidence, they inspire action and lead change. We hope that every participant was able to walk away knowing they are capable of commanding a room, shaping a conversation, and representing their communities fearlessly.”

DoGA remains committed to empowering women and girls through strategic programmes like EFL, and continues to advocate for gender equity, capacity building, and inclusive leadership across the nation.