The YWCA of the U.S. Virgin Islands will host a luncheon commemorating the 100th year anniversary of International Women’s Day as well as to highlight the organization’s “2011 Journey to Affiliation” from 1-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa. All around the globe, celebratory events will be held in recognition of International Women’s Day which is March 8th. This year is especially noteworthy, as this commemorative day was created one hundred years ago. Across the United States (US), March is Women’s History Month, and this is also proclaimed locally as VI Women’s History Month, created as a time to acknowledge the roles women have played in political, educational, social and economic development arenas.

Cecile deJongh, known for her commitment to quality early childhood education and all issues affecting children, youth and families, is the honorary hostess for this event. For over 100 years, YWCAs have been providing services to communities around the world, and this July, at the World YWCA Council Meeting in Switzerland, the Virgin Islands’ YWCA will become a fully affiliated member, culminating a four year quest to create a YWCA here in the territory. The V.I. will be in the spotlight as over 1,000 women from YWCAs representing 125 countries, and some 25 million women, gather in Zurich, Switzerland, to dialogue on human development issues that affect girls, women, families and localities. Founding President Donnalie Edwards Cabey said, “The YWCA USVI’s Journey to Affiliation and now official membership in this international organization is testimony to the perseverance and vision of a group of local women, totally committed to excellence, while working to promote meaningful change in their Virgin Islands community. I encourage more women and girls to become involved in the exciting world of YWCA, a place of discovery and enlightenment for all women and girls.”
The YWCA invites the community to come and salute the feminine spirit, and the contributions that women have made across the territory. The ticket contribution for the luncheon is $50, and tables are
$450. Organizations are encouraged to support the event by purchasing advertisement in the International Women’s Day Commemorative Booklet.
As a part of this festivity, YWCA USVI will soon launch a public initiative to solicit names with the intention of recognizing 100 V.I. women who have made remarkable contributions to the
territory’s development over the last century. To learn more about the YWCA of the US Virgin Islands visit www.ywcavi.org. To purchase tickets, a commemorative booklet ad or find out how to support the work of YWC USVI, please contact 776-1592 or 626-9804.