Saint Lucia will join the rest of the world on Wednesday March 8th 2017, in observance of International Womens Day. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women in its advocacy to create awareness of the contribution of women to the development of society as positive agents of change.

The theme for this years observance is Be Bold For Change. It challenges each individual to be leaders within the spheres of influence by engaging in a practical action to narrow the gender gap and help women and girls realize their full potential.

The Division of Gender Relations and several other agencies in Saint Lucia have planned a number of activities to mark this years observance, which began with a Praise and Worship Service on Sunday 5th March, 2017, at the Victory Pentecostal Church in La Resource Vieux Fort.

The highlight of this years observance will be a series of Empowerment Seminars for Women to be held in communities around the island. The seminars will focus on personal empowerment for women to enable them to form healthy relationships with themselves and others, to be Bold For Change that will allow them to transform their lives and communities as leaders and change agents. The Empowerment Seminars will be held on evenings to facilitate greater participation and will include topics such as self-esteem, independence, and respect and love for self, others, community and country.

In an effort to recognize and celebrate women who are leaders in the workplace, the Division of Gender Relations has invited business places and organizations to showcase the careers and responsibilities of women in a Festival of Women in the Workplace. The Festival will involve the display of some of the jobs held by women within the organizations, highlighting the nature of services provided, the academic and skills requirements for the specific posts and opportunities for employment in similar positions. It is expected that the Festival of Women in the Workplace will be open to the general public, including students and prospective employees as it seeks to mentor young women and guide career choices.

This years observance will cumulate with the launching of a publication entitled Running in Heels: Women and Politics in Saint Lucia 1961-2016.

A number of other agencies have also planned activities for this years International Womens Day including:

The St Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) in collaboration with womens activists group Raise Your Voices has organized a Movie showing on March 8th at Caribbean Cinemas featuring the movie Hidden Figures, which portrays the challenges women faced in the workplace. The CSA will also be hosting a Luncheon Lecture on March 10th 2017. The event will take place at Bel Jou Hotel, La Pansee, Castries. Contact the CSA at 45 23903 for further information.

The Folk Research Centre has planned a Panel discussion on the topic The Challenges of Women in Todays Social and Cultural Setting. The discussion take place on Saturday March 18th 2017, from 3:00 p.m. at the FRCs headquarters at Mount Pleasant.

Celestial Self- Development Centre will be holding its annual Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk on Saturday 11th March 2017. Call 45 31924, email:[emailprotected] or WhatsApp 518 2370 for details.

The Womens Committee of the St. Lucia Teachers Union in collaboration with the St. Lucia Teachers Credit Cooperative will hold their Annual Womens Conference on March 8, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Golden Palm Events Center.

The embassies of Spain and Mexico and the Alliance Francaise are organizing a cultural and social celebration, which will emphasize the role of women in the Arts. The cultural event entitled She.Lc 2017 is a presentation from Saint Lucian artists who will be playing Spanish, Mexican and English music along with theatrical and dance pieces dedicated to women. She.Lc 2017 will take place on March 8th from 7:00p.m. at the National Cultural Center. Admission to this event is free.

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International Women's Day 2017 Be Bold For Change - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release)