The idea sat in her head for five years. Terrencia Pansa was seventeen when she first dreamed of an event just for women. On September 5, five years later, she finally saw that dream come true. ‘Sunkissed’ took place at Bridge View: an intimate evening where about fifty women came together to laugh, talk, meet and above all to remind each other how worthy, strong and wonderful they are.
Text and image Shanavon Arsomedjo
Anyone who entered Bridge View could hardly ignore it: yellow and brown were the colors of the evening. The dress code immediately gave the meeting a cheerful and warm atmosphere. Some guests opted for a hint of yellow or brown in their outfit, while others went all out. The call to appear with a creative hairstyle was also enthusiastically followed.
“Self-confidence begins when your need for approval from others ends”
Jaleeza Weibolt
‘Musical’ ode to women
‘Sunkissed’ was initially scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with a networking moment, but the official program didn’t start until two hours later. Technical and logistical matters still had to be completed.
Where such a delay could easily cause unrest, Pansa opted for a personal approach. She walked past the guests, welcomed them personally and asked them to be patient. This approach was visibly appreciated. Instead of grumbling, she mainly received understanding and encouraging words.
Just after seven o’clock the evening could really begin. Mc Giora Ajauwna immediately managed to set the right tone with her light-hearted presentation. She put the parts together with flair and provided entertainment in between. “When I saw that there was no entertainment, I took care of it on my own. Since I am not an MC, I let you enjoy my true talent,” she said.
Under the musical accompaniment of Jason Eduwaiti, she performed ‘Shine Bright Like a Diamond’, a fitting ode to the women who took center stage this evening. More music followed, slowly transforming the initially somewhat expectant room into a warm, relaxed meeting place.
Self-confidence
But ‘Sunkissed’ wasn’t just about fun. The organizer also wanted to give the women something. Various women and influential guests were therefore given the opportunity to address those present from their own experiences and position.
Jaleeza Weibolt kicked off with a message about self-confidence. “Self-confidence begins when your need for approval from others ends,” she said. True security comes when a woman realizes she doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone.
She referred to Pansa herself. As a seventeen-year-old, he once came to her for advice about the event she wanted to organize. Afterwards, according to Weibolt, it turned out that the young Terrencia actually didn’t need any advice at all. Above all, she had to trust her own idea and find the courage to implement it.
Know your worth
The message from Minister Marinus Bee of the Interior was mainly focused on gender equality and the role of women in the country’s governance. Women should not only be involved, but actually be given the position they deserve, he said. The minister expressed appreciation for initiatives such as ‘Sunkissed’, which, according to him, make it clear that change is needed.
Bee encouraged women to make their voices heard and show their strength. According to him, research shows that the presence of women in board positions is associated with less corruption. He wanted to encourage women not to remain on the sidelines, but to actively participate. His closing message was direct and personal: “Know your worth! Don’t be judged with a punch or a kick, don’t accept anything that isn’t good for you and earn your own money.”
Jergilla Sandvliet-Sanvisi and Tosca Pinas also shared their thoughts and experiences. They addressed the women from their own background and role in society. The responses from the audience – from attentive listening to enthusiastic applause – made it clear that the messages had been understood.
From conversations to the runway
After all the words of motivation and with atmospheric music in the background, the guests sat down for dinner. The tables once again became a place for conversations, introductions and the exchange of ideas.
Just before the end of the evening, NDP parliamentarian Tashana Lösche took the floor, after which the space was prepared for the ‘Sunkissed Runway’. And who speaks runway only thought about clothes, was disappointed. Fashion was celebrated in the broadest sense of the word: clothing, hairstyles, make-up and jewelry came together in a colorful presentation in which creativity was central.
It was a fitting end to an evening that from the start was not just about appearance. ‘Sunkissed’ wanted to remind women that beauty also lies in who they are, what they have experienced and what they can still become.
The women left with a thank you, in a good mood and undoubtedly content. But more important were the messages that were given. About self-confidence, self-esteem, supporting each other and the fact that a person does not have to be perfect to be valuable, because beauty starts from within.
