A powerful new sisterhood of accomplished women has officially taken root in Western Jamaica. Dubbed Women of Western Jamaica (WOWJa), the newly launched movement is uniting executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders from both the public and private sectors with a common goal: building pipelines of power, mentorship, and economic success across the region.
Founder and Chair of WOWJa, Janet Silvera, issued an inspiring call to action during the launch event at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Thursday, April 24. She emphasized the group’s mission to celebrate, elevate, and support women’s leadership in all corners of Western Jamaica.
“The women of WOWJa are not only just movers and shakers in their own right, but women who care and who know the power of lifting others up as they climb,” Silvera said. “Women who understand that if one of us wins, then all of us win.”
The creation of WOWJa has been a vision 15 years in the making. Silvera shared that the movement was born out of a long-standing desire to encourage greater collaboration among women in the region—whether by closing business deals, referring clients, or simply fostering each other’s success.
“Real power lies in what it is we will accomplish as a group,” she declared. “WOWJa isn’t just a name; it’s an announcement and declaration that says, here we are. We are ready, and we are about to shake things up in the best possible way.”
Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, the Honourable Marlene Malahoo Forte, praised the launch of WOWJa and pledged her support, urging members to nurture themselves while empowering others.
“I believe that the women of this nation have a very special role to play in a way that it has not been played before,” Minister Malahoo Forte said. “Real power lies in what we can do together.”
Delivering the keynote address, Sagicor Bank CEO Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham echoed the message of unity and leadership. She encouraged the women of WOWJa to empower one another, mentor future leaders, and set new standards of excellence.
“The change must come, and the change starts today,” Cunningham affirmed.
With strong support from government officials and the private sector, WOWJa is positioning itself not just as a network, but as a force for transformational change throughout Western Jamaica.
.){kind=link}