St. Maarten Library to host ‘Becoming HER’ empowerment forum

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Library will host “Becoming HER,” a Girls’ Empowerment and Inspirational Forum on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, creating a supportive space for girls ages 13 to 18 to build confidence, discover their voices, set meaningful goals and engage in honest conversations about personal growth.

Guided by the theme “Read. Grow. Dream. Become.”, the forum is being presented in recognition of the International Day of the Girl, observed annually on October 11. The Library said the initiative is designed to connect literacy, learning, personal development and empowerment.

The program will feature a panel of women who will share personal experiences, lessons and practical guidance with participants. Discussions will cover self-confidence, education, career aspirations, friendships, relationships and boundaries, social media pressures, overcoming setbacks, goal setting and personal growth.

Participants will also have an opportunity to submit questions anonymously during an “Ask HER Anything” session, allowing them to raise issues they may not feel comfortable discussing openly. The panel is intended to encourage relatable conversations about the challenges, decisions and experiences that have shaped the lives of the participating women.

Another key feature of the forum will be the Becoming HER Vision Frame activity, during which each participant will create a personalized frame representing her goals, values, aspirations and affirmations. Literacy will be incorporated throughout the day, with participants encouraged to view reading, education and lifelong learning as tools for personal development and empowerment.

Participation is free, but space is intentionally limited to 15 girls, and advance registration is required. Parents and guardians wishing to register a girl between the ages of 13 and 18 may request a registration form. For more information, contact D. Mathew York, Project Lead at the St. Maarten Library, at +1 721-542-2970 or dshnay.mathew_york@library.sx.

Through Becoming HER, the St. Maarten Library said it continues to expand its role beyond books by creating spaces where young people can learn, connect, discover their potential and be inspired to shape their futures.

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