Celebrating Woman International (CWI) a subsidiary of TKHGFI nonprofit organization, announced plans today to award Mrs. Ann Marie Davis with the “Woman of Distinction Award” 2015 for her outstanding accomplishments professionally and within the community.

Ann Marie Davis Members of the public may see Mrs. Ann Marie Davis as the poised wife of one of the most important men in The Bahamas (the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, QC, MP). However, those who know her or have had the opportunity to work alongside her, whether at one of her charities or in the professional arena know Mrs. Davis to be an unassuming and avid humanitarian, especially in the areas of gender equality and women’s rights. Mrs. Davis’ tireless fight for the empowerment and full enfranchisement of women, especially those that are poor and marginalised has led her to become involved in social and community work. These programmes include Teen Challenge, the S.T.R.A.W. Inc. Centre for Women, the Urban Renewal Programme and the Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association (also known as Bahamas Family Planning).

As the Patron for Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association, Mrs. Davis has lent her name, voice and talents to the local fight for reproductive health and rights. In this capacity, Mrs. Davis has done the Association the great honour of launching and acting as a facilitator in the Association’s “Baby Can Wait” Programme. This innovative and highly participatory programme is aimed at young women, ages 15 to 24 years, at-risk for juvenile delinquency and premature parenthood.

It employs a research-based curriculum which aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede young women’s development, by promoting an emotionally safe setting within which young women can analyse their circumstances and choices. In short, “Baby Can Wait” seeks to build self-esteem and self-determination. This work Mrs. Davis simply views as a continuation of her community work with the Urban Renewal Programme where she mentors many young women.

Further, Mrs. Davis has supported the Women’s Bureau of Affairs in its work, especially as it relates to the elimination of violence against women and girls. To this end, she was part of the Bahamian delegation to the “Commission on the Status of Women” Conference, at The United Nations for the past three consecutive years. She continues to advocate for an end to all types of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and welcomes any opportunity - public or private, formal or informal - to speak out against gender-based violence and discrimination. Although she is most passionate about human rights issues, Mrs. Davis fundamentally believes in being a voice for all “beings” that cannot speak for themselves; this includes animals. As a devoted Board Member of the Bahamas Humane Society, she has assisted with many programmes including “Operation Potcake,” a spay and neutering programme for the local dog breed and cats, which became a huge success and have raised awareness of the proper care of pets. As a volunteer with the Human Society, Mrs. Davis also assists with Fund Raising and the staging of the annual balls.

A dedicated member of the Pilot Club of Nassau, she continues to do extensive work for several charities especially people with brain disorders, and is on the Fundraising Committee which is now charged with raising funds for the Therapeutic Pool for which ground will be breaking this year.

In her professional life, Mrs. Davis is a Licensed Chartered Accountant, having studied at the London School of Accountancy in London, England, and is also a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants of Scotland. She is an active member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, and for a number of years, worked with the Continuing Professional Education and Public Relations Committees.

She is an active member of St. Christopher’s Anglican Church where she has taught Sunday School, and now serves as Treasurer of the Parish and member of the Finance Committee, and is also on the Vestry, the church’s decision making Caucus. Notwithstanding all of her help with different causes and charities, Mrs. Davis believes that her greatest accomplishment has been the rearing of her two well-adjusted and confident children.

Founded in 2013, Celebrating Woman International aims to mobilize and inspire women across the globe, to honor, recognize and celebrate the contributions of women, leveraging their untapped leadership capabilities in order for them to thrive in the world so that they can lead productive lives.

Celebrating Woman International goals are to:

• Unite, connect, engage and inspire women to honor and celebrate themselves and other women worldwide.

• Expand women’s global business and leadership opportunities.

• Create a virtual “Celebrating Woman” Worldwide Center & Hall of Honor by 2020.

• Provide a one-of-a-kind global education initiative focused on honoring differences.

• Inspire a spirit of service and giving among women.

“Celebrating Woman International thinks honoring women for their accomplishments and hard work is a wonderful way to thank and inspire other women within the community. These awards are intended to do that. The selected honourees have demonstrated an untiring zeal for service to the community and inspire us through their selfless commitment to improving the lives of others,” Celebrating Woman International Corporate Secretary, Collin Smith said.
During the month of October, the “Woman of Distinction Awards” will be awarded to women who have made significant contributions in the following categories: arts; business; finance & trade; religion; law; civics; media and sports in The Bahamas.

During the month of September, Celebrating Woman International will announce the names of all the honorees and give more details about the upcoming events