On March 08 each year, we pay tribute to women worldwide and laud them for their strength and resilience. 

It is indeed my privilege to honour the courage of women around the world, but most significantly, women who have played a transformative role here in the Cayman Islands. 

On International Women’s Day, we are reminded of the importance of education as a pathway to gender equality. 

Today we also recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of our women and promote women’s rights. 

As we commemorate this day, under the theme, ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow, we give recognition to the outstanding contributions of Caymanian women who have led the charge in various fields, including education, to ensure a more sustainable future for all.

We recognise women such as the late Ms. Theoline McCoy, the late Ms. Joanna Clarke, Ms. Georgene Lazzari and Ms. Levonne Ryan, education stalwarts and visionaries with a remarkable determination to develop education in the Cayman Islands.

We also recognise the team of women at the helm of the Ministry of Education for their invaluable contribution to education and our many female educators who act as positive role models for girls and young women and provide them with the tools to reach their full potential. 

As Minister with responsibility for education, I see this day as an opportunity for all of us to encourage our women to embrace lifelong learning to increase their employability, take care of their families and contribute to the economic development of our nation.

I also urge our educational institutions to implement programmes that will empower and inspire our girls and call on women in the private and public sectors to empower our young women through mentorship.