Under the theme: “Equal access to education, training, science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women” women in Saint Lucia will join their counterparts around the world in observing and celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) on Tuesday March 8th 2011.
Organized and presented by the Division of Gender Relations the day is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the achievement of women; it also reflects on past struggles and accomplishments of the women’s movement and looks ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.
This year, women’s organizations around the island have planned various activities, with the Division of Gender Relations leading the way, with a packed calendar of commemorative activities.
On the actual day itself, the Division with the sponsorship of 1st National Bank will be hosting a fundraising Luncheon Lecture at the Pink Plantation House on the Morne.
The featured speaker will be Senator Dr Alison Plummer a Scientist, local businesswoman / manufacturer who holds a Masters and PhD in Physical/ Inorganic Chemistry and a degree in Food and Pure Chemistry. She is also the former director of the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards.
It is expected that many women will attend this lecture, including a contingent of female officers from the Royal St Lucia Police Band who will also provide musical entertainment.
A spokesperson from the Division of Gender Relations said that not only is the day’s activity committed to uplifting the minds of women with the luncheon lecture but it will also focus on pampering women. As such a number of prizes will be up for grabs at the luncheon.
These include: a day pass for two from Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, a weekend for two at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, a gift certificate compliments Touch Therapies Day Spa, a weekend for two at The Body Holiday Le Sport, a grocery hamper from Consolidated Foods Ltd, a mobile phone compliments Digicel, a gift certificate from Discovery at Marigot Bay Resort & Spa, a full body massage from TLC Salon and Spa and a two nights/three days stay at Coco Resorts..
Proceeds of the fund raising Luncheon Lecture will go towards assisting the victims of last October’s devastating Hurricane Tomas. Tickets are available from the Division of Gender Relations, Walcott Building, Jeremie Street, Tel: 453-0557.
On Saturday March 12, the Division will be sponsoring a Women’s Health Fair at the Babonneau Health Centre.
The community activity seeks to ensure that women are in tune with their bodies and will focus on common health problems that usually afflict women such as diabetes and various cancers, notably cervical cancer. In light of this, throughout the day there will be free pap smears administered and blood sugar testing.
Observance of International Women’s Day will continue on Monday, March 14 with the
opening of the annual
“Open House” at the Division of Gender Relations on Jeremie Street that will pay tribute to the achievements of women in Saint Lucia in the fields of science and technology, through a display of biographies and photographs.
The two-week exhibition will also include a gendered analysis of the contribution of men in these fields and will also feature the work of students who participated in the Montessori Centre’s Science Fair in January, 2011.
The exhibition will be open daily, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
One of the most anticipated events being put on by the Division of Gender Relations in commemoration of International Women’s Day is the presentation of the “Vagina Monologue” on Sunday, March 13 at the Chateau Heritage in
Dennery.
The Vagina Monologue is a theatrical performance based on author Eve Erisler’s series of interviews dubbed the “Vagina Interviews” with women from around the world.
According to reviews, it is a hilarious, witty and moving collection of tales that relate to the vagina through sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, and orgasm. It also pays attention to the variety of names for the vagina.
The performance begins at 5pm and is for mature audiences only, due to the content.
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