Female students at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre in Virgin Gorda received the road map on how to become successful young women at a recent all-girls empowerment forum.

The forum was attended by about 50 students from the tenth and eleventh grades and presentations were made on topics including Gender Equality and Parity; Having a Spiritual Relationship with God; Having High Self Esteem; Dynamics of Being in a Relationship at a Young Age; Sexuality; and Professional Development.

The session was a joint collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Virgin Gorda and The Office of Gender Affairs and was held in observance of International Women’s Day on March 8.

Gender Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Lorolie Connor said the aim was to reach the young people and encourage them to start thinking differently about what gender equality and gender parity are about.

Ms. Connor added, “The young ladies who were here really seemed to appreciate the information and I know that the knowledge that was imparted will make a difference in their lives in the long run.”

The Gender Affairs Coordinator thanked the Rotaract of Virgin Gorda for its assistance in making the forum a reality. She said, “They were very adamant about us doing something for International Women’s Day on Virgin Gorda; something that would impact the young ladies and get the discussion started on gender parity.”

Several students welcomed the event including Mariah Christian who shared that the speakers inspired her to be an inspiration to other girls.

The presenters were Mrs. Chauncie Cline, Ms. Mickesha Delpleshe, Reverend Esther Georges, Ms. Lorolie Connor and Rotaract President, Ms. Argel Horton who chaired the programme.

International Women’s Day is observed internationally on March 8 every year. This year’s theme was, ‘Pledge for Parity’. In different regions, the focus ranges from a general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women, to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements.

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

For more information regarding gender matters, like the Facebook page: Office of Gender AffairsVI.

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.