Strong Girls, Strong Women, Strong World, is the theme of the 15^th annual Honouring Women Month (HWM), which began on Friday, 1 March 2013.

For this year’s observance, the Family Resource Centre (FRC), have organised month-long activities ranging from: musical performances, fitness, poetry and film, to worship and praise in order to recognise the women and girls of the Cayman Islands.

On Friday, 1 March at Camana Bay, a relaxed social event encouraged persons to learn more about HWM, and other programmes,  services and resources available for women and girls. As well, there will be a Facebook ‘like’ drive that will award random prizes for individuals that like www.facebook.com/familyresourcecentre.

On Sunday, 3 March, a church service was be held at St George’s Anglican Church.

In conjunction with the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing, a special ceremony in celebration of the observance of International Women’s Day will be held on 8 March, 2013, at the National Gallery, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  While the event is free and open to the public, individuals and families are encouraged to contact the FRC in order to reserve their   tickets and seating.

The celebration will feature music by One World Entertainment, performances by Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS) Heritage Drummers and the public viewing of Cayman Islands Crisis Centre PSA. In addition, a candlelight memorial will give individuals an opportunity to honour women and girls that have passed away, but whose memory is very much alive. Attendees will also be encouraged to contribute their creativity to a travelling art project that will be displayed at all HWM events.

To complement the evening’s ceremony, Karma, Premier Wine and Spirits and the Water Authority have contributed to the celebration by sponsoring refreshments and a wine tasting.

Attendees will also witness the unveiling of a community calendar that includes public events, multicultural observances, as well as inspirational quotes. Inside the calendar, images — including a number of artworks donated by individuals and organisations– depict women and girls engaged in positive activities.

“Although we should honour women every day of the year, I urge you to take this month to remember not only the significant contributions of the notable women in our country but also the value of women and girls’ contributions to our schools, homes and workplaces on a daily basis. The calendar serves as a powerful reminder that we have a strong community that will help bring about this awareness, and, in turn, make the Cayman Islands a better place for all to live,” said Minister of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing, the Hon. Dwayne Seymour.

Commenting on the publication, FRC’s Programme Coordinator Miriam Foster urged citizens and residents to view it as a community-minded calendar made for community-minded people.

Mrs. Foster further expressed, “We are privileged to live in a community made up of so many nationalities and organisations that aim to raise awareness of social causes that improve the lives of women, girls and ultimately families. We hope this calendar highlights many of the resources our community offers.”

The FRC thanks the Cayman Island Crisis Centre, the Estella Scott Roberts Foundation, Innotiva, Stepping Stones, BDO, Maples FS, Fosters Food Fair, Lions Club of Tropical Gardens, Cricket Square, Sotheby’s, Cayman National Bank and Bliss Yoga for being community-minded organisations and sponsoring a month in the calendar.  The HWM calendar will be available for purchase for CI$10 and proceeds will go towards programmes and services, offered by FRC, that empower girls and women.

Bright and early Saturday morning, 23 March, at 6:30 a.m., persons will get a chance to enjoy the Colour Me Purple 5K Walk/Run at Smith Cove or the Kaibo in North Side. For CI$15, interested persons will receive a purple t-shirt and bag sponsored by ESSO and BAF Insurance.  Registration is available at www.caymanactive.com. There will be a grand prize of a Cobalt Coast stay-cation, an award to the participant who wears the most purple, as well as medals for runners at the Smith Cove location.

On 16 March there will be a Drum Circle at Camana Bay featuring women poets, and a Ritz Carlton dinner and movie night will be held on 17 March showing Disney-Pixar’s “Brave” . All events are geared towards families of all ages and everyone is invited to attend.

For further details of Honouring Women Month festivities or other Family Resource Centre services, contact 949-0006, email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page