Antigua and Barbuda’s Directorate of Gender Affairs successfully commemorated International Women’s Day 2026 through a dual initiative combining its ‘Give to Gain’ Spotlight Series with a comprehensive community Health Fair. The March 6th event served as both a celebration of women’s achievements and a practical resource hub for community wellness.
The ceremony commenced with the recognition of four distinguished women honored for their exceptional community impact and service. Judith Peets, Azara Lavia, Rita Phillip-Harris, and Tanya Ambrose received Spotlight Series awards for their leadership and dedication to uplifting others, establishing an inspirational tone for the day’s proceedings.
Concurrent with the awards ceremony, the Health Fair attracted substantial community participation with over sixty attendees accessing vital health services and educational resources. The event leveraged a robust collaborative network including the Medical Benefits Scheme, Planned Parenthood, Caribbean Pharmaceuticals, AIDS Secretariat, EyeMobile, Ministry of Health, Happy Healthy You, and the Antigua and Barbuda Network of Rural Women Producers/Processors.
Niketa Black, Senior Programme Officer and Coordinator for International Women’s Day 2026, emphasized the significance of the event: ‘The Spotlight Series enables us to publicly honor women who lead with purpose and give back in ways that uplift others. We are particularly encouraged by the strong turnout and partner participation that made the Health Fair both meaningful and accessible to the community.’
The Directorate acknowledged substantial support from sponsors including the Citizenship by Investment Unit, Premier Beverages, Sagicor, Stonewall Reloaded, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Special Security Services, Perry Bay Supermarket, Barbara Carr, and Joy Saunders.
This integrated approach demonstrates the Directorate’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening community wellbeing, and creating platforms that simultaneously celebrate women’s achievements while providing practical support and services to the public.