A businesswoman, a helicopter pilot and a police officer will be honoured for their contributions to the territory in recognition of International Women’s Day.
The March 8 event, which is to be held under the theme “The Gender Agenda Gaining Momentum,” will include radio and television broadcasts about the accomplishments of Eileene Baronville, the Virgin Islands’ first female police officer, Thelma King, a long-time businesswoman, and Valina Braithwaite, the territory’s first female helicopter pilot.
“The theme looks at progress of women in different fields,” said Lorolie Connor, coordinator of the Office of Gender Affairs. “The variety of women gives us a good perception of how far women have come.”
Apart from celebrating women in different professional fields, additional legislation should be passed to ensure gender equality, according to the OGA coordinator.
“Things have changed too much and we need to move with the times,” she said.
The territory began celebrating International Women’s Day in 2008.
“We need to celebrate our women,” Ms. Connor said, adding, “A large portion of our permanent secretaries are females and other women are making strides in the private sector as well.”
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