Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has challenged the Virgin Islands (VI) society to move beyond awareness of women’s rights to tangible actions. Photo: Facebook

International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8, 2026, under the theme ‘Rights, Justice, Action, for all Women and Girls’. Photo: Facebook

The VI joined the world in celebrating International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8, 2026, under the theme ‘Rights, Justice, Action, for all Women and Girls’. 

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day, celebrated annually for over 100 years, also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

Committed to strengthening programs & services

In his solidarity message, Hon Wheatley said as Minister for Health and Social Development, he remains committed to strengthening programmes and services that safeguard the health, well-being and dignity of women and girls. 

“This includes ensuring access to quality healthcare, expanding social protection services, addressing gender-based violence and creating pathways that empower women economically and socially.”

The resilience of the women is recognised as they continue to influence and shape the Virgin Islands, the minister said. 

Beyond awareness to meaningful action

Hon Wheatley said the responsibility is therefore to ensure that every woman and girl, regardless of circumstance, has equal access to opportunity, protection and justice. 

“Let us move beyond awareness to meaningful action. Let us work together to dismantle barriers, challenge inequities and inequalities and build a society where the rights of all women and girls are respected, protected and realised.”

Hon Wheatley said together through rights, justice and action, a future that is equal, fairer, safer, and more inclusive for all can be created. 

He saluted all the women of the Virgin Islands for building it and for paving the way for the new generation of women.