Saint Lucia joins the rest of the world today, in observance of International Women’s Day.

The March 8 observance celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, in its advocacy to create awareness of the contribution of women to the positive development of society.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Be Bold For Change.” It challenges each individual to be leaders within the spheres of influence by engaging in practical action to narrow the gender gap and help women and girls realize their full potential.

The Division of Gender Relations and several other agencies in Saint Lucia have planned a number of activities to mark this year’s observance.

Activities began with a worship service on March 5, at the Victory Pentecostal Church in La Resource, Vieux Fort; while the highlight of the observance will be a series of empowerment seminars for women to be held in communities around the island.

The seminars will focus on personal empowerment, to enable women to form healthy relationships with themselves and others; and to "Be Bold for Change" that will allow them to transform their lives and communities as leaders and agents of change.

The empowerment seminars will be held on evenings to facilitate greater participation and will include topics such as self-esteem, independence, and respect for self, others, community and country.

In an effort to recognize and celebrate women who are leaders in the workplace, the Division of Gender Relations has invited business places and organizations to showcase the careers and responsibilities of women in a "Festival of Women in the Workplace."

The "festival" will display of some of the  jobs held by women within the organizations, highlighting the nature of services provided, the academic and skills requirements for the specific posts, and opportunities for employment in similar positions. It is expected that the "Festival of Women in the Workplace" will be open to the general public, including students and prospective employees as it seeks to mentor young women and guide career choices.

The 2017 International Women's Day will culminate with the launching of a publication entitled “Running in Heels: Women and Politics in Saint Lucia, 1961-2016.”

Other activities planned are as follows:

The Saint Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) in collaboration with the activist group Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia has organized a movie showing on March 8 at Caribbean Cinemas featuring the movie “Hidden Figures,” which portrays the challenges women faced in the workplace. The CSA will also be hosting a luncheon lecture on March 10, at the Bel Jou Hotel, at La Pansee, Castries. For information contact the CSA at 758.452.3903.

The Folk Research Centre has planned a panel discussion on the topic “The Challenges of Women in Today’s Social and Cultural Setting.” The discussion takes place on Saturday, March 18, at 3 p.m., at the FRC’s headquarters at Mount Pleasant.

Celestial Self Development Centre will be holding its annual "Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk" on March 11. For details call 758.453.1924, email celestial@candw.lc or WhatsApp 758.518.2370 for details.

The women's committee of the Saint Lucia Teachers' Union in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Teachers' Credit Cooperative will hold its annual women's conference on March 8, at 1 p.m., at the Golden Palm Events Center.

And finally, the embassies of Spain and Mexico and the Alliance Française will host a cultural and social celebration that emphasizes the role of women in the arts. The cultural event titled "She.Lc 2017" is a presentation from Saint Lucian artists who will be playing Spanish, Mexican and English music along with theatrical and dance pieces dedicated to women. "She.Lc 2017" will take place on March 8, at 7 p.m. at the National Cultural Center. Admission to this event is free.