Female students in the Virgin Islands are taking centre stage in advocating for persons to make a pledge for parity and equity during this month.

‘Pledge for Parity’ was the theme used in this year’s observance of International Women’s Day observed on March 8. As part of local activities, the Office of Gender Affairs in collaboration with secondary schools throughout the Territory filmed female students making the pledge for parity as well as highlighting their most influential female role models.

Several schools participated in the campaign including Cedar International School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. Georges High School and Claudia Creque Educational Centre.

Gender Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Lorolie Connor said this collaboration with the youth empowers them to become spokespersons to help get the message of parity and equity out to the public.

Ms. Connor said, “We used girls especially because they are heavily influenced with a lot of negativity through social media and we wanted to reinforce something more positive. Once the video is completed, the plan is to post it on social media so that persons can like it and share it to begin this viral pledge for parity.”

Administrative Officer in the Office of Gender Affairs, Ms. Mikesha Delpleshe said that a ‘Pledge for Parity’ aims to combat the global gender inequalities that were predicted by the World Economic Forum.

Ms. Delpleshe said, “The overall goal is to make sure everyone is aware of what the Office of Gender Affairs is pushing for which is gender equality and equity and to be able to relate to the need for parity.”

International Women’s Day is a global celebration for women’s economic, political and social achievements observed annually on March 8.

The Office of Gender Affairs, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, is responsible with raising awareness on gender related matters that would include women’s issues and implementing policies related to gender equality and equity.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.