Presentations were made to 8th Grade female students at the Elmore Stoutt High School as the Office of Gender Affairs celebrated women in male dominated careers in observance of International Women’s Day.
Gender Affairs Coordinator Ms. Tara Sue Morgan said the female presenters were invited to share their personal experiences with the students on engaging in a traditionally male dominated fields, managing negative criticism and discrimination while encouraging students to pursue their career goals no matter the criticisms based on their sex.
Presenters included Ms. D’Andra Lewis, Boat Captain; Ms. Lavina Liburd, an Architect; Ms. Aldith Penn, a Fire Officer; Mrs. Rozina Norris Gumbs, Geographical Information System (GIS) Personnel, and the staff of the Office of Gender Affairs.
The students were encouraged to continue practicing gender equality. They expressed their satisfaction with the presentations made and also shared their passion for their future career choices.
International Women’s Day was held under the international theme ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Right’ and focused on inspiring the younger generation to create gender equality. It is observed annually worldwide on March 8 to recognise the contributions of women in all their diversities.
The Office of Gender Affairs is charged with developing and implementing policies and programmes that promote gender equity and equality in the British Virgin Islands.