Powerful women in Music and beyond

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FORUM (IWF) is a powerhouse of women all over the world.

2013 it was powerful women in music.

Held in Jamaica at the Montego Bay Conference Center this was something to be a part of. The featured picture shows the misty other-world setting of the home of the White Witch of Rosehall , the mystery that still exists in Jamaica.

I spent the past week with these women from over 30 countries. The theme was Music an Instrument for Change. We had presentations vocally, orally, instrumentally  from a range of artists and proponents of the music industry. It is clear that groups like The National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica  or artistes like Tula Ben-Ari of “Sheela” or projects like “Playing for change” will continue to impact the music industry.   John Kao of “Jamming: The Art and Discipline of Business creativity” was also there as was Rosamund Zander of the Art of Possibility.

I was there as part of Sister Rita Marley’s group as she was a key attendee being interviewed for her phenomenal part she has played in Jamaican history.

Women are the powerhouse without a doubt. Sister Rita was an example of the power that women wield in the lives of other young women who fight the awesome odds in the entertainment world to get through and be seen. Etana spoke a great deal about this struggle.

It was only fitting that this was the location for the opening. The White Witch of Rosehall great house is beautiful and full of atmosphere. There we learnt about international protesters in music like these young people mentioned above who are now living in the UK, as rock music is outlawed in Iran.

Why the International Women’s Forum? Who are these powerful women?

The message is clear. Women have a mission. As musicians there is much to be done. But as women there is so much more that remains to be accomplished. Clearly music is an instrument for change in so many ways. But the most effective change in people’s lives will only be accomplished if there is unity among, between across all peoples and cultures. We need to spearhead the movement that sees all peoples as human beings struggling for a sense of independence accompanied by respect.