A commemorative service marking Jamaica’s celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) will be held on Sunday, March 3 at the Gregory Park Baptist Church in St Catherine, beginning 10:00 am.

The day, which has been observed by countries globally since the early 1900s, is commemorated on March 8. This year’s international theme is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Change’.

The church service is being organised by the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), a division of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, under the theme ‘Investing in Women and Girls in Leadership to Accelerate Gender Equality, Equity and Socio-Economic Empowerment’.

A BGA media advisory indicated that the message for Jamaica’s commemoration will be read in churches islandwide to increase public awareness about the day.

“It will also highlight the important role the church plays in empowering women and girls and accelerating gender equality, equity and socio-economic empowerment,” the advisory said.

Another major event is the IWD banner event, a celebratory forum slated for the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Thursday, March 14.

“This event will highlight the contribution of women to accelerating gender equality, equity and socio-economic empowerment in their roles in the Jamaican society,” said the BGA

Keynote speakers will be the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, and president and chief executive officer, Scotia Group Jamaica Limited, Audrey Tugwell Henry.

Other scheduled activities include the reading of the IWD national statement in Parliament by Grange and the pinning of purple ribbons on parliamentarians on March 5 and 8.

“The day is an occasion to reflect on the struggles of women against all forms of discrimination and exploitation, and to focus on the need for equality and progress,” said the BGA.

“IWD gives us this opportunity to look at the untapped potentials and opportunities for women,” it said.