Women in outdoor professions in the BVI will be featured in a month campaign beginning tomorrow International Women’s Day.

The women selected to be a part of the campaign include, Shaina Smith in the field of Project Management, Amorrell Newton in the field of construction and Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal in the field of Environmental Marine Biology.

Gender Affairs Coordinator Ms. Lorolie Connor said International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8 to recognise the contributions of women in all their diversities and the office will run a month campaign to recognise their achievements.

She said this year’s theme; ‘Be Bold for Change’ fits well with highlighting women who have made distinct contributions in unlikely areas which can begin to change perceptions of their traditional role, especially in the BVI.

Ms. Connor said these women are already bold for not taking the expected career paths, have gone against the ‘norm,’ and are examples of change for the younger generation of women to follow in their footsteps.

 “Young girls can see a female contractor, engineer and environmental marine biologist; this can open the window of opportunity for their own career path,” she added.

The coordinator explained that while the office was in pursuit of a nominee for the CARICOM Triennial Award, the criteria used were suggested for assisting in the preparation and planning for International Women’s Day.

She added, “CARICOM gave us an outline with specific professions and we realised that engineer and environment was two outdoor areas that we could combine to bring recognition to women who have excelled in these male dominated professions.”

The campaign will include videos, radio announcements and a heavy social media presence with the aim of inspiring persons to provide feedback in preparation for next year activities.

The Office of Gender Affairs under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and Social Development is responsible with raising awareness on gender related matters that would include women’s issues and implementing policies related to gender equality and equity.

For more information regarding gender topics and events via web, visit www.bvi.gov.vg or like the Facebook page at genderaffairsvi.

Photo Captions:

Caption 1 of 3: Office of Gender Affairs staff with Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal out in the field. (Photo Credit: Adrianna Soverall/GIS)

Caption 2 of 3: Shaina Smith pictured in front of the Peebles Hospital which she was a project manager in the construction. (Photo Credit: GIS)

Caption 3 of 3: Amorrell Newton pictured in front the Riteway which she was a contractor. (Photo Credit: GIS)