Grand Cayman, 16 February 2026

From the suffragettes of the 1950s to today’s changemakers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), politics, business, healthcare, and community leadership, the Cayman Islands has cultivated a proud lineage of women who have broken barriers in male-dominated spaces and paved the way for generations to come.

While International Women’s Day is globally observed on 8 March, the Cayman Islands commemorates women’s achievements throughout March with Honouring Women Month, a longstanding national observance dedicated to celebrating women, while drawing attention to the gender-specific challenges that continue to affect women and girls.

Now in its 27th year, Honouring Women Month was launched in 1999 by then Governor John Owen. The observance was originally spearheaded by the Women’s Resource Centre, which later merged with two other government entities to form the Family Resource Centre (FRC).

Today, FRC, a government unit within the Department of Counselling Services, coordinates and delivers Honouring Women Month events annually. The 2026 calendar features a vibrant lineup of events designed to reflect this year’s theme while fostering meaningful community engagement.

Signature events for Honouring Women Month 2026 include:

  *   InspireHER: Women Inspiring Girls in partnership with Rise Girls | 5 March | 9 am – 12pm
  *   The Power of Giving Video Series honouring women who represent the #GiveToGain theme in the Cayman, featured on Family Resource Centre social media
  *   #GiveToGain International Women’s Day Celebration | 20 March | Hotel Indigo
  *   Colour Me Purple 5K | 22 March | West Bay Public Beach

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #GiveToGain, encourages a spirit of generosity, collaboration, reciprocity, and support.

“Give to Gain speaks to the power of collective action,” said Charmaine Miller, Clinical Supervisor at the FRC. “Cayman has a rich culture of generosity, where most people can point to a moment when a loved one, neighbour, or friend was lifted because others chose to rally around them. Whether through shared knowledge, pooled resources, practical skills, or just emotional support, our community has always understood that success is something we build together. That spirit is at the heart of FRC’s work and reflects the essence of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, and the action we hope to inspire through our events.”

“Honouring Women Month is a powerful reminder that gender equity requires both recognition and responsibility,” said Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability. “When we celebrate women’s contributions and actively address the barriers they face, we strengthen our nation and our future. I commend the Family Resource Centre for its continued leadership and dedication to fostering empowerment and wellbeing for women and families across the Cayman Islands, and I encourage everyone, whether Caymanian or visitor, resident or friend, to embrace the spirit of Give to Gain in March. Support the Family Resource Centre by contributing your time, knowledge, skills, or resources to initiatives that empower women and young parents.”

“We are privileged to live in a country where women can pursue leadership and take on roles that were once male-dominated,” said Ms. Tamara Ebanks, Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability. “Trailblazers such as Tina Ebanks, Cayman’s first female firefighter, inspire younger generations to see what is possible when ambition meets opportunity. The Family Resource Centre plays a pivotal role in making that possible. Through support programmes and initiatives like Honouring Women Month, they help women and girls access the support and networks they need to thrive. This reflects the essence of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain; when we give intentionally, we create the conditions for everyone to grow.”

Proceeds from Honouring Women Month events directly support empowerment initiatives for women and youth, including the Young Parents Services (YPS) programme. YPS supports parents aged 13 to 25 in developing parenting, life, and employability skills.  Fundraising efforts will provide sponsorship for those clients in need of educational and employability training, transportation support, and childcare in order to support their efforts to improve their circumstances and promote efforts of equity for success.

Beyond Honouring Women Month, the Family Resource Centre offers a range of evidence-based parenting programmes and individualised services year-round, supporting parents and caregivers across all stages of family life, from early childhood through adolescence, and during challenging transitions such as separation and divorce. These services are provided free of charge, courtesy of the Cayman Islands Government.

To learn more about Honouring Women Month or the services offered by the Family Resource Centre, contact: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>