Hon Carvin Malone, the Minister for Health and Social Development, in his first public remarks as minister highlighted that while the progress of women has been incremental in the Virgin Islands (VI), each generation builds on the achievements of those that have gone before. Photo: Facebook/File

Under the theme, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change,” International Woman’s Day was celebrated with global appreciation for the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. Photo: Internet Source

Closer to home, the Virgin Islands woman’s rights were championed however even with progress gained, the struggles of women were brought into focus as a means of looking ahead and changing the present for the betterment of the future.   

Hon Carvin Malone (AL), the Minister for Health and Social Development, in his first public remarks as minister highlighted that while the progress of women has been incremental in the Virgin Islands (VI), each generation builds on the achievements of those that have gone before.

Taking Action

“The women of the Virgin Islands, from all walks of life, are taking action for a more balanced society as equal partners in business, parliament, community and family life.  For the first time in our history two women are serving concurrently as Junior Ministers of Government, offering a perspective that only women can bring to leadership, and inspiring young women and girls of our community to aim higher and dream bigger,” he said.

According to Mr Malone, “at this crucial moment in our development as a people, it is essential for the women of this generation to break down barriers and lead with courage and ingenuity, with the vision to achieve the highest ideals for a better, stronger Virgin Islands.”

Further, he says that history has shown women to be the bedrock of our society through their life and work, making a critical difference, “whether in times of prosperity or adversity,” he remarked.

Celebrate Innovation

The Minister for Health and Social Development pointed out that there is much to celebrate for girls and women in the area of innovation, “Even in doing so, my thoughts go to all the women, worldwide, who on this day are still struggling to live safe and decent lives,” he said while advising that we never take a woman kindness for weakness.

“Sometimes the strongest women are the one who love beyond faults, cry behind closed doors and fight battles that no one knows about,” he said while remarking that women and men working together will strive towards a better day for women and girls.