‘Personal control through education, self esteem, having a mentor and profiling yourself’. That was the conclusion of the seventh Annual Women Conference in Curaçao “About Women and Control’ organized by Bright Ideas and Services. The Conference took place last weekend at the Renaissance Hotel in Curaçao.
‘About Women and Control’ started last Friday with the presentation of keynote speaker Dr. Sergio Leon, who compared his observation during his professional life on the development of the women in Curaçao. He observed how women went from less control on their life to a situation where women take key positions in the community. Women got control on family planning after the introduction of anti conception, which also contributed to the independence of the woman.
Next, there was the presentation of the winner of the 2010 Outstanding Woman Award: Eugenia Thelma Brunings. Mrs. Brunings (79) worked during 40 years as a midwife and was during her career a modern day Robin Hood. Families with more economical means were charged double whiled she delivered poor babies for free. Her son who nominated her, Yves Cooper received the price in her name since Mrs. Brunings could not be present due to health reasons.
The conference continued on Saturday morning with speaker Nohraya Godfried who enthusiastically spoke about developing the entrepreneurial mind of young women. She stated that it is the risk taking that distinguishes an entrepreneur from the dreamer who wants to be in business. One must act to realize a vision.
Psychiatrist Karin Hermans continued emphasizing self worth. She gave an interesting presentation on her research done on anorexia in Curaçao.
The last speaker was Evelyn Montalvo who spoke about "The Power of Your Personal Brand". Many women belief that they are recognized by being the best worker but that is not the reality. Montalvo explained that women must take control in their career and carefully plan, by profiling themselves and to get to know people who can help them strategize their career.

The conference ended with the annual celebration of women with Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, presented by Irene van Grieken, Reyna Joe and Angela Richardson.
The next annual women conference in Curaçao ‘About Women &......’ will be on March 4 and 5, 2011.

Pictures coming soon