On Thursday, 7 March, the “Teabox Lounge” in South Hill, Anguilla came alive with laughter and tears as a cross-section of women gathered to discuss a topic that they all had in common:  women’s sexuality.  The forum, entitled “Woman to Woman” was coordinated by the National Chronic Disease Unit, Anguilla which has responsibility for sexual and reproductive health programming, in partnership with the Gender Affairs Unit under the 2019 Women’s Week activities.

The purpose of “Woman to Woman” was to provide a platform for discussion on sensitive issues relating to female sexuality without judgement in a supportive and safe environment.

Through dramatic presentations by the cast of the “Vagina Monologues” (Senoj Creations), and games such as “Sexual Charades” and “Label My Parts”, topics such as “My body after childbirth”, infertility, masturbation, sexual abuse, sexual stereotyping and mental abuse were presented and discussed by the audience.

Obstetrician, Dr Kareema Matthews, Clinical Psychologist, Dr Olufunmike Banks-Devonish and Director of Gender Affairs, Dr Ronya Foy Connor comprised the panellists who clarified misconceptions, expounded upon and explained factual content and provided appropriate references for the group.

The three-hour discussion forum was hosted by Ms Nisha Dupie and Ms Glenneva Hodge.

Director of the Chronic Disease Unit, Mrs Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson stated that is was refreshing to hear the candid discourse and the call for similar forums.   She stated, “often the conversations are turned off because they are too difficult, which reinforces a myriad of challenges that face us today.  I hope that the forum will be the springboard for such conversations and we can move away from the tendency to tune out such discourse”.  Organisers intend to host “Woman to Woman” as an annual event.