10 Incredible Barbadian Women
Barbados is but one of the many islands of the Caribbean. When looking at a world map, it may only appear as a small dot, or perhaps not at all. Barbados may be small, but time and time again, it has proved its worth to the world through its people. This island is home to many wonderful Barbadian women who have done great service to their country. These powerful Barbadian women are inspirations to each generation of women in Barbados. This month, let’s all take the time to appreciate these influential Barbadian women.
Who Are The Most Well-Known Women In Barbados?
There is an abundance of truly amazing Bajan women in Barbados! Shall we take a dive into the lives of three well known Barbadian women?
Robyn Rihanna Fenty
When talking about well known Barbadian women, it would almost be a sin not to mention Rihanna Fenty!
Rihanna was born in 1988. Coming from a rough childhood, Rihanna had her first taste of the music industry in 2003 when an American producer, Evan Rogers, set his eyes on her. After working with him and Jay-Z, she released her first album, Music of the Sun. This album would be the first of a myriad of successes for Rihanna.
Rihanna has become both a music and fashion icon and now owns three businesses. She has proved to the world that Barbados is home to hidden gems full of talent and waiting to be discovered.
In 2021, President Sandra Mason awarded her the title of National Hero.
Socials:
Sandra Prunella Mason
President Sandra Mason is yet another remarkable Bajan woman. Throughout her lifetime, she has accomplished many great things and has done great service to her country.
Sandra Mason was born in St. Philip Barbados in 1949. She attended Queen’s College, then began teaching at Princess Margaret Secondary School.
Sandra Mason then gained many achievements. She was the first attorney-at-law from Barbados to graduate from Hugh Wooding Law School. She also became the first woman member of the Barbados Bar Association within the same year.
Sandra Mason became Barbados’ second female governor general in 2017. Then, on the 12th October, 2021, Parliament elected President Sandra Mason President of Barbados. In 2021, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley swore her in as President.
Mia Amor Mottley
Mia Amor Mottley is a successful politician and has been Barbados’ leader for several years.
Mia Mottley was born in 1965 into a family of successful politicians. She studied at several schools, then she received her degree in law at the University of Law in 1986.
Mia Mottley started her political ventures in 1991. Since then, she held several political positions, such as Shadow Minister of Culture and Community Development, Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture and General Secretary of the Barbados Labour Party.
Mia Mottley was the first of many things; the first female Attorney-General of Barbados, the first female party leader, and the first female Prime Minister of Barbados. After becoming Prime Minister in 2018, Mia Mottley has since started several developments on the island. One of the major developments was making Barbados a republic country.
Socials:
facebook.com/SupportMiaMottley
Other Incredible Bajan Women
Besides those that are well known, there are several other powerful Barbadian women. Here are seven other Barbadian women who have accomplished great things, both past and present.
Akela Jones
Akela Jones, born in 1995, is an incredible athlete! When she was 12, she competed in the CARIFTA Games. Jones has since set multiple records for Barbados. She also won gold in the long jump at the 2014 World Junior Championships, bronze in the high jump at the Pan American Games, and was NCAA champion in 2015.
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Dame Ruth Nita Barrow
Dame Ruth Nita Barrow was born in 1915 and died in 1995. Dame Nita is a truly remarkable woman. In a time when women had many restrictions, Dame Nita Barrow rose above them and became a role model to women everywhere. Her career started as a nurse and ended as the first female Governor General of Barbados.
Sarah Ann Gill
Sarah Ann Gill was truly a powerful Barbadian woman. Born in 1795 in times of slavery, Sarah Ann Gill was the leader of a Methodist church. When Methodism in Barbados was under threat, Sarah Ann Gill showed great resilience and bravery in the face of danger. She advocated for the freedom to practice religion and was an inspiration to many. In 1998, Parliament named her a National Hero of Barbados.
Roli Roachford
Roli Roachford is a talented equestrian and kind humanist. She owns Jahworks Equestrian Centre, where she offers equestrian lessons and recovery therapy for special needs and accident victims. Roli ranked number one in many Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) competitions and she became President of The Barbados Equestrian Association for Riders with Disabilities.
Socials:
Kerryann Ifill
Kerryann Ifill was born in Barbados in 1973. Kerryann lost her vision because of cataracts at 4 and attended school for the blind at 6. Despite her disability, she graduated from UWI in 1999, making her the first blind person to do so. In 2008, she became deputy President of the Senate, then in 2012, President of the Senate. She was the first woman and disabled person to hold this position.
Socials:
https://bb.linkedin.com/in/kerryann-ifill-10902636
Kerri-Ann Bovell
Kerri-Ann is a young, inspiring woman of science. Science always fascinated this Barbadian woman from a young age. With her bachelor’s in Chemistry, she aims to improve Barbados’ blue and green economy. She was a semifinalist in Climate Launchpad. Barbados Investment and Development Corporation and UNIDO sponsored her EcoMycö.
Socials:
Rhesa Garnes
Rhesa Garnes’ story is one that is truly moving. Rhesa had a talent for singing at a young age. She toured Antigua with the Barbados Mass Choir when she was 15. She then performed for various artists, including Miriam Makeba. Despite the struggles of parenthood at 16, then later being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Rhesa Garnes stayed strong and true to herself.
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/lovenfyah/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/rhesagarnesmusic/
These women from different walks of life found success in their endeavours despite the hardships they suffered. To all women reading, stay strong. Know that just like these women, you too can accomplish great things.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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