Observed annually on March 8, the Government of Bermuda joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD). Historically this day is observed with the aim to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
IWD is a day celebrated and supported globally by industry, governments, educational institutions, community groups, professional associations, women's networks, charities and non-profit bodies, the media and more. It celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women, past and present. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments and more importantly, looking ahead to the future.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) has its roots in the socialist movements of the early 20th Century when women were campaigning for the right to vote. The oppression of women and the persistent inequalities led women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. For decades the celebration of IWD has gone from strength to strength and provides an important platform to empower women, launch new initiatives and action, celebrate women's achievements and raise awareness.
Registration forms are available here
Over the years, female members of the public service have observed and celebrated IWD in various ways:
In 2023, the theme for IWD was "Embrace Equity”. The Government of Bermuda's female members of the public service will observed IWD through a special video message to the community from the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, Tinee Furbert. She was also a panelist at the "Success Through Women’s Day" Panel Discussion, sponsored by Goslings.
Female members of the Public Service Executive, including Deputy Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter, and Permanent Secretaries for Transport, Health, Labour and Economy, Finance and Education will all be represented during IWD.
In 2022, the Minister of National Security, Renee Ming joined women from the uniformed services departments (Corrections, Customs) to greet commuters at the Crow Lane round-a-bout.
Ministers also participated in the IWD observations on the steps of City Hall.
As part of a government-wide awareness effort, a select group of women were highlighted and featured internally and on the government’s social media platforms as females who are breaking down barriers and breaking biases.
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In 2021, The Minister of Soical Development and Seniors, Tinee Furbert, stood before the Honourable House to acknowledge the annual celebration of International Women’s Day.
In 2018, the Ministry of Social Development and Sports and the Human Rights Commission co-hosted an International Women’s Day Breakfast Conversation Panel featuring six female entrepreneurs who, along with the audience, considered various questions including barriers to achieving gender equity.
The panel included Sharon Bartram, Cheryl Kerr, Alison Morrison, Mandy Smith, Jenny Smatt, and Kristin White.