The island of Saint Lucia in the Caribbean is the only sovereign nation in the world to be named after a woman. Celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is putting the spotlight on women of Saint Lucian heritage around the world.
Saint Lucia: The World’s Only Nation Named After a Woman
Celebrating Female Excellence and Caribbean Heritage
Saint Lucia holds a unique distinction as the only sovereign nation globally named after a woman, honoring Saint Lucy of Syracuse from its French colonial period. This Caribbean island celebrates International Women’s Day by spotlighting remarkable women of Saint Lucian heritage through the #SheisSaintLucia campaign. The initiative recognizes British achievers including Laura Henry-Allain MBE, Brenda Emmanus OBE, and athlete Imani-Lara Lansiquot, while highlighting that Saint Lucia ranks among only three countries where women hold over 50% of management positions.
Beyond gender equality achievements, Saint Lucia offers fascinating cultural heritage including the Tete En L’Air headpiece tradition and its historical nickname “Helen of the West Indies” due to frequent colonial transitions. Visitors can experience the rich culture and history of this remarkable island, from the sorceress-shaped mountain “la Sorciere” to authentic Caribbean traditions. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority invites travelers worldwide to discover why this distinctive destination perfectly embodies the intersection of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and female empowerment.
The aim is to raise awareness of Saint Lucian women excelling and challenging in their fields, in line with this year’s official theme of #ChooseToChallenge. People across the world are encouraged to add the hashtag #SheisSaintLucia to name, honour and celebrate the women in their lives and communities who inspire them. Visit www.stlucia.org from March 8th for more information.
British women featured include children’s author and creator of the BBC’s award nominated Jo-Jo & Gran Gran, Laura Henry-Allain MBE; presenter and broadcaster, Brenda Emmanus OBE and world class athlete Imani-Lara Lansiquot.
With St. Lucia citizenship, individuals can enjoy the rich culture and history of the only country named after a woman, making it a fitting place to celebrate inspiring women on International Women’s Day.
“International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of all women, including those with links to Saint Lucia, who are shaping the world,” said Honourable Dominic Fedee – Saint Lucia Minister of Tourism.
Did you know…Five feminine facts about Saint Lucia:
1. Saint Lucia was named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse, a name given to the country when it was under French rule.
2. Saint Lucia is one of only three countries in the world where over 50% of managers are women.
3. The island switched so often between English and French rule that it became known as the “Helen of the West Indies” – after Helen of Troy.
4. The Tete En L’Air, the traditional headpiece worn by Saint Lucian women features madras cloth folded to display varying numbers of peaks – the number of peaks indicates the availability of the woman in courtship!
5. One of the more prominent landscape features of the island is a mountain in the northeast known as “la Sorciere” (the sorceress), it looks like the profile of a woman’s face.
#SheisSaintLucia #IWD2021 #ChoosetoChallenge
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Discover Saint Lucia at www.stlucia.org
