

The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) hosted another impactful “Conversations With Boys” (CWB) workshop on January 15, at Talk of the Town, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
The event provided a safe and interactive space for Grade 6 boys from Mico Practicing Primary and Junior High School to engage in meaningful discussions about critical life issues, shaping their development and aspirations.

Since its inception in 2018, the ‘Conversations With Boys’ programme has exemplified WLI’s commitment to nurturing young minds. On January 15, 2025, WLI marked a significant milestone by having engaged 222 boys from Mico Practicing Primary over the years, showcasing both the continuity of the initiative and the organization’s dedication to the project and the school. As highlighted in the Chair’s remarks, this continuity underscores WLI’s enduring commitment to shaping Jamaica’s future society.
Led by Verol A Billet, Associate Clinical Psychologist, the boys openly explored key topics such as respect for women and girls, bullying, peer pressure, the dangers of substance abuse, and empathy. The interactive discussions encouraged the boys to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of how to navigate these issues positively.

A highlight of the event was the new segment, ‘2025: Thinking for the Future’, which focused on financial literacy. Oshane Allen, Wealth Advisor at GK Mutual Funds, shared practical, age-appropriate advice on early money management and introduced the boys to potential career opportunities in the financial sector.
Reflecting on the session, Allen stated: “Financial literacy is an essential life skill, and it’s never too early to start. We are thrilled to be part of an initiative that equips these young boys with the knowledge and confidence to plan for their future. The conversations today were inspiring, and we hope to see them grow into financially responsible individuals who contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s progress.”

Grace Burnett, Chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative, reiterated the importance of the programme, saying: “WLI and our sponsors are delighted to provide a safe and inviting space for the boys to openly discuss their challenges, dreams, and hopes for the future. Since the inception of the ‘Conversations With Boys’ programme, we have remained committed to shaping young lives by addressing critical issues that affect their development. We encourage the boys to speak freely, as their feedback not only enriches these sessions but also guides WLI in identifying and addressing advocacy gaps within the wider society. It is our hope that the tools and guidance provided through this programme will empower these young boys to grow into men who are positive contributors to Jamaica, land we love.”

Nadine Heywood, Chair of the Advocacy Committee, emphasized the significance of the programme: “The CWB initiative is supported by research and feedback from stakeholders in Education and Child Advocacy that showed early intervention could lead to behavioural change. CWB is now one of WLI’s main projects, and we are invested, as leaders and mothers, in playing our role in shaping Jamaica’s future society and fulfilling our mission to contribute to the well-being of all Jamaica.”
WLI extends its heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, including GK Capital, whose financial contributions have been vital to the success of the programme, and Knutsford Express, whose partnership from the very beginning has further enhanced the experience for the boys.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering respect, empathy, and positive development among Jamaica’s youth. The Women’s Leadership Initiative remains steadfast in its mission to empower future generations and promote meaningful societal change.
Comments