Celebrating International Women’s Day with Community Support
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Office of Gender Affairs, in partnership with key public and social organizations, provided groceries to assist single parents through a dedicated food drive initiative.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Promoting Gender Equality
This initiative, developed in collaboration with gender representatives from various public services and statutory bodies, aimed to tackle food insecurity while championing gender equality, equity, and community empowerment.
Support for Vulnerable Families
As a result of this collective effort, seven single mothers and fathers who are participants in programs through the Social Development Department and the Family Support Network received essential food baskets. This initiative brings comfort and support to those facing pressing financial difficulties.
The Global Significance of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day serves as a worldwide celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments while advocating for gender equality. The theme for 2025, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” highlights the imperative that every woman and girl should have access to their fundamental rights, equal opportunities, and the necessary support for success.
Commitment to Gender Equality
The initiative aligns with this pertinent theme by addressing food insecurity among vulnerable single parents, reiterating the commitment to promoting gender equality, equity, and community empowerment.
Voices of Support
Miss Patricia Hackett, the Gender Affairs Coordinator, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This effort aligns with our mandate to advocate for gender equality and support the most vulnerable members of our community. Through collaboration with key agencies, we can have a meaningful impact on the lives of single parents who often endure significant economic hardship. We aspire to continue and broaden this initiative to reach more families in need, especially in the Sister Islands.”
Miss Laurel Freeman, Director of Family and Children Support Services, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, stating, “We truly appreciate the assistance from Miss Hackett and her team. This partnership between the Social Development Department, the Office of Gender Affairs, and other collaborating agencies has brought joy to the lives of single mothers and fathers. The appreciation from these families highlights the pressing need for sustained support within our community.”
Ms. Prudence Charles-Phillip, Ag Executive Director of the Family Support Network, shared her happiness regarding the food baskets received by single mothers from the initiative. She praised Ms. Hackett’s encouraging words to the single parents, affirming, “You are strong women, and you should continue striving for greatness.”
Commemorating 50 Years of International Women’s Day
This year marks fifty years since the United Nations commenced its global celebration of International Women’s Day, officially recognizing March 8 as International Women’s Year in 1975. In 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that called for the designation of March 8 as a day for women’s rights, acknowledging the necessity for support to end discrimination against women.
A Continued Commitment to Community Well-being
The Office of Gender Affairs and its partners remain steadfast in their dedication to initiatives that advance the well-being of families, gender equality, and equity within the Virgin Islands community.
