On Sunday, First Lady Cecile de Jongh was honored at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) 100th anniversary celebration of International Women’s Day at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Hotel in St. Thomas. The first lady was recognized for her contributions to the Territory and was the honorary hostess for the event, “Women Creating a Safe World.”

“I’m delighted to join the YWCA in recognizing the contributions women make in every aspect of life: in the home, on the job, in their communities, and in the many roles we play as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, citizens, and leaders. Today we join other nations in worldwide fellowship in salute to the female spirit and in tribute to the women and girls that came before us,” the First Lady said.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh is presented with an award by Donnalie Edwards-Cabey, YWCA president, for outstanding contributions to the Territory at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of International Women’s Day in St. Thomas, March 6, 2011.

During the event, YWCA members reflected on the strides women have made throughout history, locally and globally. The non-profit organization is planning to attend the 2011 World YWCA Council and International Women’s Summit in Zurich, Switzerland this summer, a “Journey to Affiliation,” which will bring approximately 1000 women from over 100 countries to share best practices toward achieving greater peace, justice, and freedom for all people.

During her remarks, First Lady de Jongh commended the YWCA for its many community-based services, including leadership development initiatives, workshops, trainings, and mentoring sessions for Virgin Islands youth. “These efforts inspire and nurture future leaders, build communities, and empower individuals to fulfill their highest potential.”

First Lady Cecile de Jongh delivers remarks at the YWCA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration of International Women’s Day in St. Thomas, March 6, 2011.

In highlighting the global celebrations occurring this week throughout the world, the First Lady commended the shared commitment to continue the progress of women in the political, social, and economic arenas, including issues affecting children, youth, and families. “It is fitting that one of the goals of this event and similar events worldwide, is to empower women to take greater control of their own destinies, including through economic empowerment, access to proper healthcare, and the assurance of basic rights, such as education. We want to continue working toward achieving our greatest aspirations, hopes and dreams.”

She also noted that by empowering women, we empower men to fulfill their greatest potential.

Women comprise 16% of the elected members in the U.S. Congress and are 22% of the elected leaders serving in the Virgin Islands. In Rwanda and Afghanistan, women are 56% and 28% of the elected leaders, respectively. “We still have a long way to go,” the First Lady said, and further noted, “We are all aware of the discrimination and inequalities that still remain so commonplace around the world, and we recognize the challenges. It goes without saying that as long as girls and women are valued less, overworked, underpaid, not schooled and subjected to violence in and out of their homes, our collective potential to create a peaceful, prosperous world is in jeopardy. “

The first lady commended mothers “for always inspiring us” and applauded the leadership of Donnalie Edwards-Cabey, YWCA’s founding president, as well as all other YWCA officers and board members for their efforts in areas such as maternal and child health, violence against women, and leadership development. “You are helping to build a foundation for future generations, and in doing so, are creating a better place for all of us, here in the Virgin Islands and worldwide. Thank you for all that you do.”

The YWCA honored five Virgin Islands women for their outstanding efforts in political life, including: the First Lady, Mrs. Cheryl Francis, Delegate Donna M. Christensen, Senator Janette Millin-Young, and Senator Nellie Rivera O’Reilly. 

The 100th anniversary celebration also included a hat parade and fashion show with clothing representative of various nations throughout the world.