International Women's Day Beauty queens honour local health workers for their devotion |09 March 2021

A souvenir photograph to mark the occasion

As part of the ongoing activities to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day which was yesterday, the top two winners of the Miss Seychelles National Pageant presented flowers to a group of nurses and other female health workers at the Beau Vallon health centre.

The gesture was to recognise their devotion and effort as front-liners in providing healthcare, especially with the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.

It was also to distinguish their achievements and honour their struggles on International Women’s Day.

Nurses and health-care workers are leading the way and tackling women’s issues, whether they are fighting for pay equity with their male colleagues or trying to end violence and harassment in the workplace.

Their knowledge, compassion and determination make them advocates for their patients, residents and clients, as well as strong role models for all girls and women.

Initiated by Beauty Empowerment Seychelles and sponsored by Minister Justin Valentin, the good gesture was carried out by reigning Miss Seychelles Kelly-Mary Anette and First Princess Shannen Henrie.

They said they chose the Beau Vallon clinic as they feel it is often overlooked since most donations go to central health care facilities.

The girls noted that for the International Women’s Day, they felt that it was important to give back to the women who are on the frontlines, protecting us every day.

They also added that while nursing is truly a noble profession, we must not forget about the other staff that forms part of a clinic such as dental health staff, pharmacists, cleaners, receptionists who assist in the daily functioning of health care centres.

“We see their efforts and we felt it was necessary to reward everyone and say thank you with our small gesture of roses on this special day.

“We would like to wish the women of Seychelles a happy women’s day and to use this day to recognise the many milestones you have achieved and to reflect on your future goals and dreams for the future. You are women. There is nothing stronger,” they added.

Roland Duval