Ministry of Health Staff Wear Purple in
Staff of the Ministry of Health and Social Development in the British Virgin Islands wore purple on International Women’s Day to show solidarity with women across the Territory, the government said. The Ministry’s release noted this year’s theme, "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls," and reiterated calls for continued advocacy, concrete measures and public awareness to advance gender equality.
Staff of the Ministry of Health and Social Development in the British Virgin Islands donned purple in observance of International Women’s Day, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in an official release. The ministry said employees proudly wore purple to stand in solidarity and to celebrate the strength, resilience and achievements of women across the Territory.
The ministry’s statement highlighted this year’s International Women’s Day theme—"Rights. For ALL Women and Girls"—noting that it underscores the importance of ensuring every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality and respect. By participating in the global movement and wearing purple, staff signalled support for continued advocacy, meaningful action and progress toward gender equality, the release said.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development used the observance to recognise the many women who work within its ranks and throughout the BVI. Nurses, community outreach workers, social development officers, administrators and other professionals were singled out for their daily contributions to strengthening families, supporting vulnerable residents and maintaining essential health and social services across the islands, the ministry noted.
While the purple day was largely symbolic, the ministry framed it as part of wider efforts to keep issues of rights and justice on the public agenda. The release called on policymakers, service providers and community leaders to translate solidarity into concrete measures, including accessible health services, protection from gender‑based violence and increased economic opportunities for women and girls.
The government release also provided practical contact details for residents and members of the media. For government services or information, the Ministry advised calling the Government of the Virgin Islands one‑stop shop at (284) 468‑3701 or via WhatsApp at (284) 468‑9760; the release also referenced a virtual booking system and said more services are coming soon.
Media enquiries about the observance can be directed to Information Officer I at the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Vorinica's House of Commerce, Long Bush, Tortola: telephone (284) 468‑4138 and email FRandall@gov.vg. General press enquiries for government releases may be sent to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
The release included a photo captioned "Ministry Staff Wears Purple for International Women's Day" and indicated that images were available for international media upon request. It also listed the government office address at 33 Admin Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, Tortola. The Ministry’s observance underlines a broader community message: recognition of the many women who work to uplift families and strengthen communities across the Virgin Islands, and a call for sustained rights, justice and action in support of all women and girls year‑round, the statement concluded.
Primary source: BVI Government