From Then Til Now
This is a video presentation of the Pioneering Soroptimists throughout the years and the phenomenal groundwork done for uplifting the status of women in Trinidad and Tobago.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2021, all six Soroptimist International Clubs of Trinidad and Tobago united to produce a series of videos featuring prominent local women who choose to challenge gender bias and inequality.
These women hail from different backgrounds and each shared their journey and determination to forge a gender-equal world.
We present Na-o-mi Frederick. #ChooseToChallenge
# I CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO
SI Port of Spain is honoured to have interviewed Na-o-mi Frederick – 21 years old, CEO/Founder of Women of Steel, an organisation which empowers young women and showcases excellence in the steelpan industry and in steelpan manufacturing.
Na-o-mi is a brilliant, committed, motivated, passionate, enterprising young lady who has a vision to inspire young female pannist like herself to reach their true potential by introducing them to steelpan manufacturing. She CHOSE TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO in breaking the glass ceiling in a male dominated industry. “Women of Steel” is a very insightful name as it not only denotes women pannist but it conveys sterling qualities of strength and power in women. This organisation is a powerhouse of young women making a positive difference. They have showcased several female pannists on their social media platform creating a medium for inspiration for pan players, arrangers, manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.
Early this year they created a scintillating video production called “Tribute to Women in Pan” which not only paid tribute to women’s presence in the steelpan industry but also gave an insight into steelpan manufacturing process and showcased unity among women in the steelband community. They plan to continue to create more video productions to highlight female excellence in the steelpan Industry. In 2022 they also plan to partner with Pan in School Coordinating Council to host workshops in Secondary Schools which will give students an insight into the history of the Steelpan industry, steelpan music, the discipline involved in becoming a professional pannist and the area of steelpan manufacturing.
