This Saturday, March 8, millions of women around the world will highlight International Women’s Day (IWD).
With the theme being #AccelerateAction, the occasion serves as an opportunity to honour the strides made to achieve gender equality and redouble the efforts on the work yet to be done.
In celebration of IWD, the Government’s five female Cabinet Ministers came together today to reaffirm their commitment to equality, fairness and women’s empowerment.
The Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs; the Hon. Kim Wilson, Minister of Health; the Hon. Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors; Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, Attorney General and Minister of Justice; and Sen. the Hon. Crystal Caesar, Minister of Education, all collectively emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting the achievements of women in Bermuda and beyond.
Minister Lightbourne highlighted the significance of ensuring equity and fairness when addressing the pressing matters affecting families, particularly noting that tackling the cost-of-living issues that disproportionately affect women is a specific priority for her Ministry.
The Home Affairs Minister said, “As we celebrate the accomplishments of women, we must also address the systemic barriers that hinder their progress. Our Ministry is dedicated to ensuring that essential utilities and food items remain affordable and therefore accessible to all.”
Minister Lightbourne continued, “This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, calls on us to move beyond rhetoric and drive real, tangible progress for women and girls in Bermuda. As Minister of Home Affairs, I am dedicated to tackling the economic disparities that are impacting our community because of rising utility costs and everyday expenses especially felt by working women and single mothers—women who form the backbone of our communities. Economic justice is gender justice. When we make Bermuda more affordable, champion consumer rights, and open doors to equitable opportunities, we empower women to thrive—not just survive.”
Minister Wilson underscored the critical role of health in women’s empowerment saying, “As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, let us take a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in the areas of healthcare who have paved the way, while also acknowledging the resilience of those who continue to push through the daily challenges women face.
“IWD serves as a call to action for all of us to redouble our efforts, champion gender equality, and ensure that progress is not just made but sustained. Together, we can build a future that is fair, inclusive, and empowering for all.”
Minister Wilkerson noted, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the remarkable achievements of women who have broken barriers, shaped industries and led with vision and integrity. From the courtroom to the boardroom, women continue to redefine leadership, proving that excellence knows no gender.
“As Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, I am reminded daily that justice is not only about laws but about fairness, inclusion, and the courage to challenge the status quo. The work of achieving equity is ongoing, and it demands that we amplify diverse voices, dismantle systemic barriers, and mentor the next generation of women leaders.
“On this day, I want us to commit to accelerating action — so that our daughters, nieces, and granddaughters inherit a world where leadership is not an exception but an expectation.”
Minister Caesar added, “International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women across all sectors, including those who serve in our Public Service. Through the Learning First initiative, women educators, school leaders, and community members are actively shaping Bermuda’s education reform, ensuring a future-ready school system. In education, we recognize the vital role that women play as leaders, mentors, and change-makers, shaping the minds of tomorrow.”
And Minister Furbert concluded, “At the Ministry of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors, we see you. We see every woman juggling work, family, caregiving, domestic work, finances, fighting for her dreams, supporting her community. This isn’t just a job for me. A commitment to create pathways, to break down barriers, to ensure every woman and girl knows her worth. We’re not asking for permission anymore. We’re claiming our space, our voice, our future. Today and every day, I stand proud – not just as a minister, but as a daughter, a sister, a woman who believes we can move mountains together. Happy International Women’s Day!”
As celebrations continue this week, the Government of Bermuda joined in recognition of the occasion by hosting a series of events that focused a spotlight on women in the Public Service. It included yesterday’s Public Service International Women’s Day Committee, Wellness Walk which saw dozens participate in a lunchtime walk around Hamilton.
Tomorrow the Public Service will host the “Empower, Thrive & Shine: Women’s Wellness Celebration Fair 2025”, which will showcase an array of health information in support of a woman’s physical, nutritional, financial, mental and holistic wellbeing.
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