March has been set aside to honour women in the Cayman Islands.
Strong Girls, Strong Women, Strong World, is the theme of this 15th annual Honouring Women Month.
For this year’s observance, the Family Resource Centre has organised month-long activities ranging from musical performances, fitness, poetry and film, to worship and praise in order to recognise the women and girls of the Cayman Islands.
In conjunction with the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing, a special ceremony in celebration of the observance of International Women’s Day will be held on Friday, 8 March, at the National Gallery from 6.30–8.30pm. While the event is free and open to the public, individuals and families are encouraged to contact the FRC in order to reserve their tickets and seating.
The celebration will feature music by One World Entertainment, performances by Clifton Hunter High School Heritage Drummers and the public viewing of Cayman Islands Crisis Centre PSA. A candlelight memorial will give individuals an opportunity to honour women and girls that have passed away, but whose memory is very much alive. Attendees will also be encouraged to contribute their creativity to a travelling art project that will be displayed at all HWM events.
To complement the evening’s ceremony, Karma, Premier Wine and Spirits and the Water Authority have contributed to the celebration by sponsoring refreshments and a wine tasting.
Attendees will also witness the unveiling of a community calendar that includes public events, multicultural observances, as well as inspirational quotes. Inside the calendar, images — including a number of artworks donated by individuals and organisations– depict women and girls engaged in positive activities.
“Although we should honour women every day of the year, I urge you to take this month to remember not only the significant contributions of the notable women in our country but also the value of women and girls’ contributions to our schools, homes and workplaces on a daily basis. The calendar serves as a powerful reminder that we have a strong community that will help bring about this awareness, and, in turn, make the Cayman Islands a better place for all to live,” said Minister of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing Dwayne Seymour.
FRC’s Programme Coordinator Miriam Foster urged citizens and residents to view it as a community-minded calendar made for community-minded people.
“We are privileged to live in a community made up of so many nationalities and organisations that aim to raise awareness of social causes that improve the lives of women, girls and ultimately families. We hope this calendar highlights many of the resources our community offers,” she said.
The HWM calendar will be available for purchase for $10 and proceeds will go toward programmes and services offered by FRC that empower girls and women.
Bright and early Saturday morning, 23 March, at 6.30am, people will get a chance to enjoy the Colour Me Purple 5K Walk/Run at Smith Cove or the Kaibo in North Side. For $15 those participating will receive a purple T-shirt and bag sponsored by ESSO and BAF Insurance. There will be a grand prize of a Cobalt Coast stay-cation, an award to the participant who wears the most purple, as well as medals for runners at the Smith Cove location.
On 16 March, there will be a Drum Circle at Camana Bay featuring women poets and a Ritz Carlton dinner and movie night will be held on 17 March showing Disney-Pixar’s “Brave”. All events are geared toward families of all ages and everyone is invited to attend.
For further details of Honouring Women Month festivities or other Family Resource Centre services, contact 949-0006.
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